A/N: Sun Dancer, welcoming you to paradise!

Theawesomess1: Don't want the airlock? :( why, don't you trust me? I remembered the buttons this time!
NetherOrbit: New Lisbeth's definitely a different creature, all the better for growth!

Would love to have more reviewers, this lack of reviews makes me sad.

There is nothing as nasally invasive as a [Carcasma]. A walking mass grave, insatiable as it scours to find those curs that have buried them so poorly. Lumbering and unyielding, the very air around itself inflicts [Disease] upon all living things. One conscious rules them all within, its formerly living soul too stubborn to die.

Class: 4E

Recommend [Redacted]

- Godfree, August 31st, 2023

November 10th, 2022 - Garr

A moonless sky, my eyes unable to close. It was three AM, some day called 'Demedri'. I was starving, cold and afraid. Below a tree branch I rested on was a land with little light, glowing stars my only source of sight, whose small collective embers failed to break through a roof of leaves. Thinking of teeth, I twitched and curled, chest tightening. Hunger, however, drove me to descend.

"Okay, okay, made it this far." I pep talked myself, "Don't frack it up...don't think about Mom's cooking. God, sounds so good right now."

Dropped pommel first upon soft Earth, my Zweihander rested with a dull thump. My shoes scraped against surprisingly soft bark, sounding so loud I stopped. Nothing was heard, precisely what bothered me. Reaching ground I scrambled, clinging closely to my weapon for security in what was essentially an alien world. gripping the bronze tool, hunger led me south.

Mossy green seas of hair swayed softly, their color dulled. Even without sun or moon it was better lit, would've seen a predator quicker if not for towering grass. Forests didn't care, with columns of bark, sounds bouncing off every one, it'd play tricks. If there was anything even a few feet away, standing still, I wouldn't know. Made me happier I was back in a prairie.

Wandering rustling fields, I stumbled upon a familiar creature, a [Frenzy Boar]. A fat, meaty, pig. I approached in an almost zombie like gait, a thought of pork, bacon leaving my mouth salivating. Seeing tusks I stopped, mistakes from before reining eagerness. Had to play it smart, having a weapon swing speed a scooterless Steven Hawking could dodge.

Still, breaking enemies in one hit was convenient.

Familiarizing myself with its speed, my [Siege Blade] careened with a downward swing, only to hear it strike rock...nearly falling flat on my face. Quick examination displayed a freshly made dent, ruining the Zweihander's edge. Durability was reduced, demanding I improve.

"Ughhh." I grimaced, staring at a fresh dent.

Hearing such a profound ring was loathsome, damaging a tool so critical to my survival. Hearing my axe ring from cutting tree roots was painful back home, knowing fully well a rock was struck, leaving a flare in my gut. Clearly, I had to figure things out. With replanted feet I repeatedly swung. Right foot forward, left to the side and back, angled slightly aside. I slapped grass, my balance shaking but maintained, my face not crashing into soil. A good start, though practice wouldn't hurt. Swung again, wobbled a bit. Third time, lost balance of my front foot. Fourth and fifth time resulted in little movement, my legs planted firmly, knees slightly bent.

Next logical step was to step while striking, rather than stand like a statue. Stepped forward and swung, heard a low whir indicative of a registered attack. While I felt my feet shift slightly, it was definitely better than before. It almost seemed like foot placement was universally important, was taught so in Kempo for several years myself.

"Better." I smiled a little, Zweihander recalled to my shoulder. "No rocks though, rocks bad."

A growl from my stomach turned my focus, the boar casual in its root centered feast. Walking up alongside, it was apparent these creatures didn't harbor immediate hostility to people. I readied myself, [Siege Blade] death-gripped on approach. Tightening my stomach I lunged, rushing as I threw it forward like a spear.

All seven feet of bronze flew, jamming against a large hump on its back, punching through meat and fur with a loud squish. A nearly ear piercing shriek came from my target, the [Frenzy Boar] bucking in response, tossing itself recklessly. Its loud cry startled me, feeling like I had injured a real animal. Before I could think further, the boar freed itself, retreating away.

Sword tip out of its side, the pig raced to my left. It continued sprinting, looking to flank as it sped past tall grass. I fumbled, my grip failing, recoil from such devices very new with its own set of demands. Seeing my lack of defense, it swerved, charging head on with tusks raised.

Desperate to defend myself, I quickly shouldered my tool, readying another downward swing. My heart raced at its approach, the mammal shrieking as it closed in. Reaching me at lightning speed, I let off a swing, only to feel a sudden shove. A new, tearing sensation erupted, my gut exploding in a fountain of burning stings.

My strike proved too slow, a pair of tusks punching through my stomach like wet paper, torn out sloppy, red flying out. Gasping for breath, I was swiftly tossed aside, hearing a light thud as my sword landed beside me. Curled fetal, I could only groan as gaping holes were left behind, a still shrieking Boar nearby. I wasn't at home anymore, but a strange wilderness

[HP: 63%]

As I writhed it leaped up, cloven hooves stamping down, pummeling me for my mistakes. My bones bent, body shaking as it bounced and crushed, relentless and vengeful. This was a level two animal, one I used to grief others with. God, Karma was a real bitch. Seconds later, it hopped off, snorting almost mockingly as it trotted back. I yearned for breath, punished for missing, wheezing as green below me turned rose colored.

[HP: 37%]

Stumbling back to my feet, I winced and lurched, gaping wounds almost forcing me to kneel. Taking a firm stance, I prepared a similar stance, merely hoisting my weapon turning troublesome, demanding I toss it over my shoulder. Leering at me, the boar scrapped its back legs, licking its chops.

"Come on." I growled. "I ain't bitching out yet!"

It shrieked again, sure of its own success as it sped. Tusks were raised, white tips bright even under a moonless sky. As it converged I lurched forward, Zweihander careening to meet it with a loud whir, hoping for one less mistake. A loud crack, followed by silence.

[HP: 68%]

The boar fell, dead and messy. Not only had I stopped it, I nearly split its skull apart. I smiled in relief, watching a conversion to glass occur before wiping my brow. One basic monster, nearly killed me. Not a hardcore warrior, a fracking pig. Game was already telling me I sucked, didn't care for it. What really got to me, however, came with inspecting my abdomen. Eyebrows were raised, there weren't any holes.

"The heck?" I mumbled, breathing without strain. "I didn't use any potions..."

Eyes glued below me, searching for sustenance I fought for.

[Boar Meat Acquired!]

Saliva filled my mouth, demanding I cook. Gathering stray twigs and various plants, I couldn't wait. Putting away my weapon, I clawed at a dry patch of dirt, hastily shoveling out chunks with my bare hands. Fingers pried out rocks and roots, dirtying callused skin, my proof of hard work in life.

My yellow shirt and green trousers were stained, dirty from fighting and sleeping outside. If there's anything I could've really wanted, it would've been a ticket back home, or a slingshot. Basic, but it offered range, ammunition would've been easy to get. Why hasn't anyone yanked my helmet off? Was missing my bed, warm blankets...home.

After about two feet of digging, I carved another one close beside it, creating a tunnel between afterwards. It's an old technique, allowed me to get the warmth of a campfire with less risk of being spotted. Taking freed rocks I laid them around the holes, an acceptable level of concealment for what I had. Needed fuel, searched for more twigs, spare plants. Boar continued grazing, even at such a late hour. One notable trend was their avoidance of these yellow dandelions, I mean they completely avoided them, were probably poisonous. Then it hit me.

Why wasn't I going back to town? Nobody's awake, ample time to take cover within town walls. Ugh, but then it occurred further. This was effectively a disaster scenario, I'd have to worry about panicked people, no thanks. Figuring myself smart I reached out, grabbing a flower and yanking it out.

My God, was I feeling stupid.

Dandelion caught fire. It caught fracking fire. My hand caught fucking fire. This stupid plant set my hand, on fracking fire. Why would a plant set my hand on fire? Why would someone put this on the first level? I didn't know jack, cause I was running around screaming cause I was on freaking fire!

"Fiyah!" I screamed, swatting my hand furiously against the ground. "God it burns, ow!"

My hand sizzled, gasps and sighs escaping my lips as it cooled and stung some more, eventually cooling off with an audible hiss. My fingers and palm turned a bright red, blistering all over. Furrowing my brow, I shook my head, cursing as I shot to my feet.

[HP: 76%]

"I hate this place." I winced. "Even the plants wanna kill me."

A glow reached my peripherals, a quick turn revealing my mistake. A small fire had grown from my stupidity, pigs squealing as they veered from stray flames. While it didn't grow far, its effect was dramatic enough. Wasn't pulling anymore flowers. Least not anything the boar wouldn't eat. Brush fire died down moments later, system must've prevented escalation. With my right hand stinging with every twitch, I was forced to use my left. Got a fire I intended to start, this time without lighting myself.

"Stupid." I dumped sticks.

Cooking was harder than I thought, counting as a skill of its own. All of these options, like temperature, timers, additives, had no idea how any of it worked. With a timer set to a few minutes, I figured I had a good start. Out of the corner of my eye, however, I noticed something. A guy was walking up a nearby trail, sun rays inching their way overhead. Seemed to be alone, no one else was there. This solitude was disconcerting, went to check on him.

"Hey, you alright back there?"

He stopped, proximity revealing him to be taller than me. Turning, I caught glimpse of his curly brown hair and gentle green eyes. He seemed depressed, lonely even.

"I'm cooking some Boar, but I can get some- ow." My hand stung. "Can get some more if you want."

"I'm not hungry, but thank you." the man replied softly. "Was just passing."

Whoever he was, he looked ready to leave, shifting his gaze towards the forest. At this ungodly hour, it left me suspicious. Not of him doing anything to me, but what he'd do to himself.

"Please hang on?" I stepped around him. "Pretty odd hour to be walking around."

He glanced back, eyes watery and conflicted.

"You're not looking to kill me, that's enough of a plus for me." I softened.

"Then stay away from town." he pointed south. "Place's a total mess."

"Bit early for a deathmatch." I grimaced, looking to sparsely lit walls. "How bad is it?"

"People are looking for the hacker. Some of them started witch hunts too."

Nice, knew I could count on people to make intelligent decisions. Starting to think leaving town was for the best.

"What's your name?" I persisted, noticing him turn back to the road. "I'm Garr...yea, that guy."

"Graye." he nodded, his attention back on me. "May I ask what you exactly did to anger him?"

"The hacker? Oh, I picked him up, carried him around town, threw him." I slipped hands in pockets, "Was fun too while it lasted."

"Huh, well I'll be going then. Just telling you now, they won't like you."

"What?" I splayed hands, persisting. "How does that possibly put me in their sights?"

"Eh, try telling a bunch of scared, desperate people common sense." Graye grimaced, "Anyway, I should go."

"That forest's dangerous." I stepped as he turned.

"I know." he shrugged.

"Then why?" I blinked, "I know we just met, but that seems a bit rushed."

Graye glanced around for a second.

"I'm...looking for the dungeon, you know where it is?"

"You mean like a standard dungeon?" I raised a brow.

"Boss's. If I can find the place, I can let the others know early what to expect."

"I really don't think visiting something like that's a great idea." I kept in front of him. "Besides, what point? We're getting out soon."

"People need to know there's an escape."

"But there is! We just need to stay put, keep calm. Personally I'd like to make friends and just settle till that happens."

Graye kept that depressing look in his eyes.

"What's got you going?" I frowned.

"There's an NPC in town, was doing a quest to try and pass time. It said that there's a possible exit at the Hundredth Floor."

"Um...so?" I blinked, hands raised. "I could program an NPC to tell me drinking bleach is a good idea, doesn't mean I do it."

"Well I can't prove this, but I've heard rumors. Dying here? Yea, don't. People aren't coming back, no one's shutting it down, I think it's turned lethal since yesterday..."

Hearing this froze me in place. With everything I did, shit. Those guys from my aggro hording, dueling...Jenkins.

"Graye? Please tell me that's not true." I looked with widened eyes. "I swear to you, I didn't mean any harm."

Graye shook his head, his frown giving life to my fears.

"Nobody's pulling off our helmets...it's been past twelve hours. If something lethal wasn't present, then we'd be out by now."

"Oh God." I fussed, crossing my arms as I shivered. "G-Graye, I didn't mean it!"

"It's okay, you don't seem like that kind of guy. Least not to me."

People were dead because of my pranks, cause I wanted to have a good laugh. Burying my face, a riposte of guilt bore through like a hyper dense bullet. Oh God, I killed an eleven year old girl, this wasn't happening, why'd she have to die? Why'd I agree to doing that? Sighing, I forced it down, had to stay in control. Find a group, settle, and wait. There's no way I could've known, just had to keep going.

"You heard the World Chat, right?"

My gaze shot back to Graye, frowning.

"I was sleeping." I shook my head, "Spent all evening running from angry players."

"No risky stuff." Graye deployed a [Spear], planting the blunt end to lean.

"Then that just tells me again, stay put." I argued, "Look man, I've got some money from...yea okay forget it. I've got money, we can team up."

"I don't think anyone's coming." Graye kept straight, "Not like I have anyone waiting back home..."

They had to be alive, fracking hacker didn't announce himself till hours after I was done dueling. Given the premise of killing an eleven or twelve year old girl, a bone biting cold intensified at Graye's obvious conclusion to our situation.

"Listen Garr, you've been very nice to me." Graye warned, glancing away for a moment. "Stay away from town, least for another day."

He rolled his shoulders, his brown cloak picking up in the breeze. "There's a witch hunt for hackers going down. You can bet you're on their list."

"Yea, cause having my freaking Pain Absorber disabled definitely puts me in that prick's fan club." I grossed.

"Think your biggest hint will be if they're non-Japanese." Graye dusted. "The others keep quiet."

Golden rays struck us gently, warmth of a new day arriving much to my joy.

"Could you come with me?" I kept soft, throat tight. "We're safer in numbers."

"I appreciate the offer...but I think I'm...yea."

He looked again to north, his tone sounding so defeated.

"Wait!" I coaxed. "Don't risk it, hell why bother?"

Graye brushed his messy hair back, looking distraught.

"It's too much. I'm not gonna be a part of some terrorist's death camp."

How could he give up, it was too early, it pissed me off.

"Are you really gonna bitch out on me?" I growled.

Graye's expression hardened, furrowing his brow.

"On the first day of all times? Come on, that's pathetic."

"You know nothing about me, so cut it with the judgement." he snapped, raising a finger. "I'm doing this for others."

"The same people that're gutting each other?" I raised my voice.

"Yes."

"Really?" I groaned, trying to convince. "Man if you end up dead, it-"

"It won't make a difference." he countered.

Graye walked past me, paying no further heed to my argument. Hunger led me back to a piece of burnt pork, its surface hardened like charcoal. My teeth clacked, crushing denatured protein with repeated chomps. Was still food, a simple step above eating rocks. On a plus note I learned how not to cook pork, had to keep positive.

Wasn't like I had allies to find, in a town full of destabilized people.

Sun Dancer

[Town Guards] scowled at my approach, crossing arms as their bright colored eyes focused intently.

"Better not cause trouble, Garr."

"Huh?" I stopped tiredly.

"Do anything out of line and you're off to jail again. Or an alley if we feel like it."

Their sudden awareness disturbed me, their monotony of recycled script nowhere to be heard.

"Alright, no trouble. Gotcha!" I splayed hands before passing them.

First few minutes were quiet, streets crowded with huddled islands of eyes, their collective sight inspecting me as I passed. An uncomfortable silence emanated, leading me to quicken my pace. First thing, armor. Visiting a local blacksmith's shop, a look of mild scorn was evident from its owner.

"I don't like serving vagabonds like ye." he growled. "But Cor's still Cor."

[Balance: 2,304 Cor]

Even a basic [Padded Cloth Vest] was too much, costing three thousand by itsel. Had to farm more if I wanted to get that. Ended up leaving with some leather gloves, only to be reminded of my burnt right hand. Some NPCs stopped to glance, their eyes widening as they fell back.

"G-Guards!"

"Oh come on." I groaned, stopping.

"Glover!"

Raised hands in disbelief, [Town Guards] rushing at me with weapons drawn.

"Hands, show 'em!"

No way was I getting attacked over that, took off my gloves right away. Examining my exposed hands, they nodded to each other, sheathing weapons. Oh thank God.

"Wear whatever armor you damn well please, but no gloves."

"Understood." I said, stiff with alarm.

What a strange culture. God, why wouldn't my hand heal? Kept walking, feeling tension from merely presiding among panicked, huddled masses. Words spoken by even native Japanese could be understood, some gazing at me with bewilderment.

"That a man or a gorilla?"

"Gorilla, clearly using drugs."

Such accolades brought a smile. If I reached a physique equivalent to those who cheat nature, what was so insulting? Only a desire to keep my peers from drawing belt sheathed [Arming Swords] kept me walking.

"Maybe he's the hacker."

Good God, I gotta get out of here. My eyes darted around every building corner, searching for anything shady. A loud chime was heard, Central Plaza's bronze bell swaying. A host of dark looks kept me brisk, coming from both player and NPC. A disquieting sense of unwelcome was impossible to ignore, my fingers rapping in response.

Found a clothing store nearby, a congregation site for a handful of younger people, struck hard with depressive gazes. God, everyone looked so sad, was as if they were all ready to die. An elderly Elven woman resided, keeping a relieving, positive demeanor behind her counter. Seeing me, however, brought an end to such niceties.

"Excuse me, I'd like to know what you have for footwear?" I kept as polite as I could, feeling maybe a bit paranoid.

A look of concern was made out from her wrinkled face, eyes bright.

"You not here for a fight, right? I won't deal with thugs."

I stared back at what emulated a woman, surprised by its soft warning.

"I don't want any trouble, Ma'am." I assured, leaning back. "May you show me the best hiking boots you have, please?"

She blinked, wary of me.

"Right this way."

Following her, I couldn't help but feel watched. Looking back proved my suspicions true, a [Town Guard] stalking me closely. Felt so cold, I couldn't fart without getting noticed. The storekeeper presented a pair of luxurious looking boots. Brown in color, they overflowed with rich, grayish fur.

"These are [Bear Fur Boots]. They add to the user's [Strength] and [Vitality]. Quite comfortable."

A quick glance to my younger peers left me grimacing. How old were they, fourteen? Twelve? I couldn't help but feel bad for them, this was a birthday present gone wrong, an amazing present if not for a loathsome individual. Kept seeing Jenkins among them, my imagination's rendition huddled.

"Wanna try them on?"

I snapped my gaze back, the elderly clerk watching.

"Yes, thank you."

She bowed slightly, stepping back. Think it...oh that's right, I was in a Japanese environment. Wait, why'd everyone speak English then? Such gestures signified something, so I replicated her move. She seemed to approve.

"Foreigner..." one hushed.

Slipping them on, I paced around, feeling an immediate cushioning beneath my feet. Soft fur brushed against my socks, softening every step as if I was walking on a mattress. This, combined with a lack of sleep left me surprisingly drowsy, smiling lightly.

"How much are these?" I glanced to her. "Oh they feel so good."

"Fifteen thousand Cor."

Such a price left me feeling almost dirty for trying them on, resulting in a speedy return. Different styles of clothing were laid out, each with a full range of colors to choose from. From cloaks, to beanies and coats, an extensive array for a fairly affordable cost. At this point, anything that'd keep me warm would suffice.

Judging by distance and conditions present, my holdout location would be around the mountains northwest of here. Cold weather gear therefore was a priority, along with finding allies.

Looking through well-stocked aisles, I found two cloaks, brown and green, two pairs of trousers, and a pair of coats. Three pairs of shirts later and I finished making my selections, totally up to 300 Cor. With such a low price, inspection felt necessary, should these articles prove purely cosmetic in function.

[Balance: 2,003 Cor]

Before heading out, I dropped an additional 100 Cor as a tip. Doing so, however, resulted in a stern expression, the store's clerk scowling.

"Something wrong?" I raised a brow.

"Sir." she croaked, taking hold of it. "Why're you being so rude?"

This confused me further.

"Do you think I need that kind of motivation to be nice to people? I'll have you know I've been doing this my whole life, and never have I accepted such."

[-1 Reputation]

I stood there, unsure what to make of this. Giving a tip was always an act of good will back home, what changed? Must've been cultural differences I didn't know.

"Sorry about that." I submitted, "Didn't know."

She nodded, returning my deposit. Sadly a new mark on my reputation wasn't removed, wished she was kinder. Heard whispers behind me, instinct driving me to leave. My stalker kept focus, a security camera someone decided to gift with legs. Returning to sun lit streets, my Zweihander was drawn, shouldered in hopes of thwarting possible aggressors. With muscles exploding out of my clothes, I held up a soft smile, emanating a guise of control. Next step, find a group, or make one. Whichever came first.

"Excuse me?"

A woman about my height approached, hands cupped, brown eyes looking to me with weakness.

"Could I have some money? I'm running out of food."

I nodded, menu opening almost immediately.

"How much does basic stuff cost?" I pried.

"100 Cor."

"That much?" I raised a brow, pausing briefly. "Well okay, long as it helps."

Gave her one fifty just in case. Passing it to her, however, I stopped. It wasn't just her anymore, it was a dozen, maybe twenty or more. They all looked at me, just as eager for handouts as she was. None of them looked particularly friendly either, including her.

"Wow, hang on." I stepped back a little, splaying a hand. "I don't have enough for all of you. Ow." Swatting my right.

"But you have a [Siege Blade]." one argued, towering over me. "Those're expensive...plenty more than what we're asking for."

"I earned it through a bargain, I didn't get it with Cor." I disputed, trying to keep friendly. "I'm sorry, I can't help all of you."

A dull shriek encompassed me, weapons were drawn, dozens of swords and clubs brandished without pause. A [Shortsword] was aimed towards my nose, its owner's slanted, brown eyes hard.

"I asked for a hundred, you gave more." she grinned, waving her weapon. "Don't lie to us, or we'll take it all, our way."

I veered left, bumping into a pack of six. Wheeled right, another seven. This wasn't a winning equation, swords outnumbering me twenty, maybe thirty fold. No matter how much I could lift, push or punch, all it'd take was one sword through my gut. I smiled, shaking and shifting my stance.

"The guard's not gonna help you. Towns only give escorts like yours if you've got bad rep."

"Should just swing on you all, right now." I growled, trying to hide discomfort.

"Look out, we got a badass over here!" she pointed, laughing briefly at my display. "Go ahead, try that. Come at me, bro."

Left fuming, I was forced to surrender every dime, dropping my entire sum at their feet. Watching her pick up my money, my eyes burned. She kept a gentle smile, hand waving mockingly as my balance ran dry.

"See, you're a good round eye." she winked, lowering her [Shortsword] "Alright, let him go."

Her twenty plus friends stepped away, keeping close watch of me.

"You're lucky you have so many friends." I growled.

"Really?" she leaned on one hip. "We could kill you anytime, we're being nice.

Stupid [Town Guard], complacent to everything occurring. Should've jammed my thumb in her eyes, was pissing me off so bad I could grab her stupid hair and tear it off like tape. Emasculated, my tongue swam in hot foam, my breathing short. They weren't intimidated by me, I wasn't scary in the slightest. Had to be cause I'm so short, should've gutted her, would've solved it damn quick.

"You." I glanced to the guard, voice shaking. "Thanks for the help."

"Your welcome."

Worthless piece of arrogant crap, wanted to flip him off so bad. My Zweihander was put away, didn't need to invite aggro. Went looking for a group of competent looking guys, though fearful of being mugged again. Found a team around a fountain, looked pretty amiable under a midday sun.

"Hey guys, can I join your group?" I went upfront, "I can fight, ow."

My right hand still burned, stinging sharply with even a finger's curl. Glancing back to whom I assumed was in charge, I tried reverting to a smile.

"Sure, mind giving us a name first? Wait...why's that guard following you?"

"Reputation's a bit low, means I got room to improve, right?" I coaxed.

"That's the spirit." he smiled, "Name?"

"Garr."

They looked at each other quickly, my name rippling through their ranks like a rock through water. Stepping away from me like a bomb, my legs shook softly.

"Why not?" I fretted.

"Dude, after what happened? That hacker's gonna punish my friends. Sorry, maybe someone else can help you."

They rejected me completely, had to find others. Met another group towards the west side of town, looked pretty weak to be honest. Consisting of some scrawny looking dudes and a petite, thin faced female, I couldn't imagine it being difficult.

"Guys? Could you spare a spot on your team?" I went softer, "I wanna help."

"What's with the guard?" one inquired, "Seems pissed with ya."

I hesitated, fearing expulsion.

"Negative rep, unintended."

"Okay, name?"

"Garr." I said, "Please, I need-"

"Keita, he's gonna bring that hacker." a guy in a beanie declared, "Don't."

They too declined, a trend irritatingly obvious after my eleventh attempt. Alone as I felt, I wasn't blaming them, I had no idea where our captor was, or what he'd exact should someone help me. Wandering town I kept looking for something to improve my odds, something to help slow the onslaught of my inevitable doom? Nah, that'd be too easy.

Diligence brought only rejection. They were terrified and rightfully so, making my search harder. My endearing escort followed like a guided missile, waiting for me to do something remotely out of line. At some point I stopped looking, was fighting too hard for it. I was broke, had no sleep, and was physically and mentally exhausted.

Decided I had to farm some boar if I wanted to get anywhere today, a bed sounded pretty nice too. Potions were next, could trade extra weapons I had in exchange.

On my way east, I saw a merchant perched alongside the road. Right next to a church of a peculiar Teslan theme, a basic green rug was laid out, a woman sitting across it. With potions stacked on top, my luck was finally not sucking. Approaching her, I made sure to be as delicate as possible.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

She glanced up.

"Got any healing potions? Going to be on the road for a while."

While clearly of Japanese descent, her snowy, white hair reached down to her neck. Her eyes were a soft yellow-green, though keeping their shape. She wore a set of rugged brown clothing, a grey apron on top. Thin, she couldn't have weighed more than what, one twenty? Figured I could trade those weapons I found for potions.

"Yes." she nodded awkwardly, "How many would you like?"

Several bottles were placed, each a bright cherry red. Cherry flavored sodas were a favorite, left me craving one badly.

"Atleast a dozen." I glanced around quickly.

"Alright." she brushed her hair back, "That'll be six hundred."

"Would you be willing to trade? I don't have money, but I have items."

"Depends, what do you have?"

First to be drawn was the [Short Bow], followed by the [Dagger], then [Arming Sword]. Looking over all of her choices, she pointed to the shortest of these weapons.

"I'm willing to trade six for that. Got better stats than mine."

"Deal." I grinned, passing it forward.

Six healing potions for one [Dagger], was already feeling a bit better about this.

"Normally I'd end it here since you're as broke as my faith in humanity right now, but could you do something for me?"

"Nah, totally gonna leave ya hanging." I smirked. "What's up?"

"It's my sales pitch, trying to get it right." she rubbed her chin, "I'm Haru, by the way."

"Garr...boogah boogah."

Haru gave a perplexed expression.

"You know, that guy?" I waved.

"Oh I do, was just expecting someone a bit more intimidating to be honest."

"What?"

She rose to full stature, standing at least half a foot taller than me. Apparently I was wrong in my petite assumption.

"Oh." I blinked, "So yea, hit me with it."

Haru sat, leaning forward a little while clearing her throat.

"May I also interest you in some other stuff?" she brushed her white hair, "Got uh...salts, sweeteners, spices, hair dye."

"Too meek." I dispelled. "Tell me you have salts and stuff. Heck exaggerate a bit, exotic spices."

Haru stroked her chin, nodding in response.

"Care for exotic spices? These are specially made to uh, put fire in your gut?"

"Set your spirit ablaze, drive out the boring with this exotic spice!" I cheered, "Breathe fire back into your life!"

"Huh, that was surprisingly corny." she blinked, "I'll try that next time..."

"Speaking of spices, whatcha got?" I crossed arms, "Love that stuff."

"Not too many, game's only been out for three days till...well you know." she drew more bottles, "Got any preferences?"

"Something sweet, like sriracha sauce? The kind of spice that leaves you craving?"

"Gotcha." she stated, digging through her inventory.

Pulling out a large red bottle, Haru placed it in front of me. Was unfortunate I couldn't pay for it, but I figured it'd be something to build up towards.

"This is sort of sweet, while still very capable of spicing up any meal." she tried emulating enthusiasm, "Hot and sweet, just the way you like it."

"There we go!" I smiled, "Eh, sadly I'll have to come back once I've got money. Mind if I have a sample? Wanna get my incentive to buy."

Haru shrugged, placing a tiny piece of blackened bread nearby, letting me pour on a few drops. She definitely seemed a little socially awkward, maybe I could find more like this one and make a party. Hell, a skill set like hers would be useful. Picking it up, I eagerly readied a sample. Just as I tipped it, however, I lost my grip. Falling out of my hands, the container struck pavement, shattering not even a moment after trade.

[-1 Reputation]

I stared, my eyes widened, my face feeling cold. Spicy contents left a bright stain, leaving a mixture of glass and puddles of fiery red on stone. I glanced back to Haru, my face heated with embarrassment. She glared at me, her green eyes looking ready to kill me. I should've slept in today, freaking beggars weren't bad enough.

"That was a bottle…of some of my finest spice."

Haru stared me down, cementing my feet in seconds. It wasn't so much her that troubled me, it was my oh so useful [Town Guard] breathing down my neck.

"Is there a problem, Ma'am?" the guard growled, "I'll take him."

Haru raised a finger, but stopped.

"No, I'll handle this."

Haru rose, closing distance with fire burning in her eyes.

"Look, if you think you can just come to MY shop and pull off something that dimwitted? Get out."

"I'm very sorry about that." Hoping to recover quickly, I looked her back. "Is there anything I can do to help you make a new one?"

She stopped briefly, pondering as she kept me still.

"Actually there is, but you'll have to come with me. There's risks and you look like you could break something."

"Ha, now you're talking." I grinned, relief kicking in.

"Give me a minute."

[You have been playing for 34 hours, you should take a break.]

"I'd love to!" I jeered.

I shook in frustration, yesterday hammering me further over previous actions. It's only been two days, two days and I was losing it. So used to having my phone lodged in my pocket, missed my music already. Yea, that had to be why everyone was nuts...we were disconnected from modern tech, something we're so used to.

Oh God, was missing my workouts. Least I could get back to it, soon as I was better situated. Looking back, Haru was clad in an over sized jacket, an unbelievable number of pockets covering every spot. With a [Dagger] on her hip, she was clearly prepared.

"Alright, ready." she peeped.

I nodded, rolling my shoulders as I joined beside her up north.

"Well pack mule, we'll have to get moving quick, sun's gonna be down soon. Hope those balloons you call muscles actually do something."

"Do something?" I chuckled. "I lift people like you with one shoulder."

"Cocky much?"

A brief exhale from my nose said enough, was speaking fact. Could've been way worse, though being in jail might've been safer. Following her outside of town, my escort ceased, already one plus of being away.

When it comes to casting spells, two stats matter most. [Dexterity] and [Intelligence].

With [Dexterity], a mage can aim their spells better, making the difference between mind controlling the local barbarian and mind controlling little Timmy, about to receive a clip off the top.

[Intelligence] isn't relevant to combat as much as it is to acquiring more spells. To discover new spells, one must find a [Primordial Codex], [Recidivist Pact], or learning it from an NPC.

Upon reading and comprehending such inhuman things, the mage's body will alter, further embracing the gifts of their respective patron(s). For some, the loss of humanity is a betrayal to the soul, others a step on the road to divinity.

- Tutorial

A/N: Beautiful way to start a day, right?

Hey guys, thanks so much for reading my story, flawed as it might be. Remember to leave a review, favorite, or follow to let me know this is keeping you entertained!

See you in a week!