Author's Note: I'm on the roll again! Here comes Chapter 6 and I'm planning to upload on weekly basis. Thank you for staying with me throughout the story!
Disclaimer: Ragnarok Online belongs to Gravity Corp., and Lee-Myoung-Jin, the one and only.
"Oi you, come over 'ere!" I stretched my sore back lazily, and looked at the old man who beckoned me to come to his side. To be frank, I didn't expect the farm could be this large.
It is as big as a village, I reckon!
Grunting, I dropped the sickle and went over to the elderly farmer. "Sheesh— you could've just asked nicely..."
The old man donned in such tattered outfit and a Sakat hat, handed an empty rucksack to me in hasty manner. "Yer slow for a swordman, lassie. Go help yer' friend there. Things will get much faster."
"Wha—" Did the old guy just called me slow?
If it is not because of the Wheat material that we sought, I'd be giving this unruly farmer a nice, relentless round of level 10 Bash. Oh well, guess I'd saved my energy for something useful than beating up a rude NPC.
"Urgh, why do we have to do this, Destins?" I complained silently, and picked up a bag full of freshly farmed wheat then placed it at the nearby collecting station.
"It's the only way we could do to obtain the Wheat." said him, while wiping off the sweat from his face. "Loots and Materials 101: Green item, is only obtainable from questing and achieving affinity with NPC. It would appeared as reward most of the time. "
"Of all the side quests here, this has to be the only way to obtain the Wheat huh...?" The young assassin nodded. "And we have less than 24 hours to go for the main ones! I do not know if we can even make it now!?" I started, panicking from the inside.
Destins shrugged and commented, "Look, I'm stuck in the same fate as you right now. We both shared the same quest, remember." My shoulder slumped, feeling dejected. And the heat during spring time isn't helping me at all. What a odd weather indeed. I felt like I was about to faint from the farm work.
The side quest we have taken — required us to help an old farmer to harvest the crops and cleaning up the ranch of cattles and sheeps. And according to Destins, it is the only way to get the quest item, Wheat which marked as a Green — a quest-bound material needed for the main task we're doing, The March of Valkryja.
I sighed in silence, worrying if we had the luxury of time to carry out the last task — Tiger's Foot to complete the entire quest in time. Destins watched me from the corner of his eyes, and assured me, "Don't worry, Leya. We're about to finish soon anyway. There's still time to catch some breather."
The assassin comrade of mine seems much relaxed than me. I mean, why not? Cuz' first of all, I am tremendously worry about the penalty I'd get if I do not finished the quest in given time. Second, I haven't get the details behind Destins' quest. He claimed he had the same as mine, but — is there a penalty or anything that he should think about, like mine here?
I do not know. And I do not think it'd be a nice move by digging out other's privacy either.
— 3 hours later... —
"Say, Destins..."
"How are we supposed to find party for Tiger's Foot farming?" I asked, eyes focusing on the redhead stood next to me. I sat aplomb immediately, tired and sore from the hard work we have done this afternoon.
The tedious and agonizingly painful side quest finally completed and I seriously need a break after settling Tiger's Foot and put that shady main quest off my mind for a while. That's what I need now anyway. Possibly a dip in the nearby hotspring would cheer my day up; as I overheard a conversation between a Rogue and Alchemist-class adventurers at the border gate, boasting about Payon's best spot for getaway and foodie haven.
And ohh... The sumptious Char-Siew Bun and heart-warming Kimchi Soup they spoke about, is making me craving for comfort food right now.
As my mind wanders off into the foodie fantasy, there goes the loud tummy-grumbling — in front of Destins. The redhead couldn't helped it but chuckled softly at my demeanour.
"You hungry?" I nodded sheepishly, shying away from his stare.
Destins approached closely to me then, and patted my head as if I was a child. "Let's go grab something to eat after settle the last task, alright?"
I nodded again, acknowledging his suggestion. There is nothing more I could asked for now, than good food and a good sleep after everything's completely done. This quest — this particular quest, The March of Valkyrjya has taken a toll on my body indeed.
I couldn't remember the last time I worked really hard for something, as if my life depends on it. Perhaps, this incident already concerning my life and solving the quest — appears to be the only way for me to return to the real world.
And I couldn't risked by letting the chance slip away...
"Anyway, we'll get a new party for the final task. Everything will get done much faster." said Destins. "There's 6 more hours to go and we couldn't waste any time longer. Let's start looking for adventurers to join us, Leya." the assassin added again, face beaming with confidence.
"Alrighty!"
Checking up my quest again, I noticed the timer is ticking away slowly. 06:15:00, displayed sharply on the bottom right corner of the screen — indicating the time period I have so far, to complete the entire task. And according to Destins, the quest only fully kickstarted once I found my first party member on the day I accepted it.
So, chronologically speaking — when I first get into contact with these strange entity, much the same like Destins who discovered an oddly-dressed man that triggered the event happened; the quest however, hasn't kickstarted yet.
Until, we met.
And the timer immediately ticked off, like a hourglass — once we're in party. Needless to say, both me and Destins are indeed backed into corner when we realized — we shared the same quest.
Though, it gives me some upper hand as I partied up with Destins, a level 55 Assassin and the two initial tasks were easily done. So for that, I am eternally grateful.
After accepted the quest on the day I arrived here as Leya, the mysterious NPC stated there are 12 keys I would need to collect altogether and then, the pathway to home shall revealed to me. And the otherworldly designed tattoo that etched on my hand — is a contract between us. If I ever breached it, I would suffered countless unimaginable consequences. Meaning, no cheating, no short-cut and no abandoning it.
Strange, but maybe no longer strange anymore, I presume. My encounter with Destins, and the quest we shared — must have something to do with those NPC. To me, they are pretty much a deceiving bunch — which of course, I would get really worked up just by thinking about them. I have no other sources to blame except them, for inflicting such predicament to me.
But, as I try to piece the mystery up together — I could safely say, these NPC are planning something big, perhaps awful. I don't know... But I just don't feel right and comfortable after accepted the quest. Same goes to Destins. I don't have enough evidence to prove these scheming lots just yet, however — I believe I will discover the truth sooner or later. Slowly but surely, I will definitely unlock every key so that they will return me to my home world.
06:15:00 to go eh...? I hummed silently. Well, gotta get this thing done and dusted before the night dawns in then.
"I heard you guys looking for party members to MVP Edgar?" a feminine voice rings clearly from the back, startling the two of us in instant. I turned, and noticed a Hunter-class lady greeted us with a warm smile.
"O-oh yeah... We—" before I could complete my words, a handsome and chivalrous-looking man donned in platinum armour came forth, approaching us. Sooner, another young woman dressed in a full red and lacey cathedral outfit marched forward as well, hands holding a beautifully-crafted staff.
The hunter beamed and commented shortly, "Care to join us instead, Destins? We have a Paladin and a High Priest here." — "And we are looking to MVP Edgar as well." said she, glancing over Destins few times.
The redhead stays quiet from the moment the three adventurers appeared. His crystal blue orbs focused fully on the trio. The hunter seems rather familiar to Destins, and the assassin comrade of mine appears to knew her as well. An acquaintance maybe? Or perhaps, a long-lost friend?
"Didn't know would bump into you after all these years, Summer." Destins finally spoke, his eyes still fixed on them.
"You bet! Has it been 5 years the last I saw you? Where have you been all this while!?" Summer, as how Destins addressed the hunter lady as — grabbed the young man's hand and pulled him into a brief embrace.
A reunion of old friends, eh...
Destins seems to return the favour and after exchanging few words, they parted briskly. "I see that you came with friends. So, what are you guys up to at Payon and Edgar?"
The full-armoured man then greeted us, with such gentleman-esque. "Crowe's here. At your service." said him, while shaking Destins' hands. And next, the young lady in cathedral-inspired outfit. "Amelia, nice to meet you all." she bowed gracefully, introducing her name to us.
"Glad to be in service as well. I'm Destins and this is my friend here, Leya."
I bowed to the three senior adventurers as Destins slowly introducing me to them.
"So, you were saying that you are hunting for Tiger's Foot aye...?" Summer inquired, while swiping up a special screen that looks nothing but like a huge encyclopedia from the outside.
"I can't promise it'll be easy drop though but you guys can take the rest loots. We are hunting Edgar for other reason."
Crowe and Amelia nodded at the same time. "We are members from the Schwartzvald's Bio-Engineering Academy and we are under order to sample Edgar's DNA."
Destins stopped briefly and I bumped into his back, knocking my own nose and a small 'ouch' escaped from my lips. "Sampling a MVP DNA? For?"
"I'm afraid that's as far we can tell you. It is classified among us." Crowe explained, and walked past us.
Unconvinced, the redhead cocked his eyebrow and pulls Summer to the side. "Are you part of this Bio-Engineering shenanigans too?"
The hunter brushed off Destins' grip and faced him, "Yes and no. I was just doing my job as a guide here in Payon."
"It earns me good money."
"Hmph." the redhead scoffed lightly. I could sense some small tensions building as I walked side by side Destins.
I then whispered in soft voice, "They don't seem like bad people at all, Destins." The young assassin didn't bother to look at my direction. Shortly afterwards, he commented, "I knew it too. But I prefer to be — let's just say, cautious."
I pursed my lips, pondering about those words spout by him.
As we're approaching the bamboo forest depth of Payon after traveling for nearly 2 hours from the ancient city, Crowe the Paladin slows down his movement.
"Shhh... We're here." the tall man whispered. He then drew out his large shield and one-handed sword. Honestly speaking, I was in awe. Captivated by the shining platinum armour, glistening sharp sword and polished large shield, is that what people called as the protector or defender of justice?
"Crowe is a full defense Paladin by the way." Summer spoke beside me. "He is usually the party leader in any expedition and MVP hunting party due to the status he holds. Over the years I joined them in most adventures, Crowe never let us down."
I listened carefully to the hunter. Something about Crowe the Paladin has capture my attention. Not in affectionate way, mind you. But rather, reverance.
"Tell me about it." I insist Summer to go on with her story. "A Paladin's job is to secure and protect their party members. They are the revered class under the providence of our Allfather Lord Odin, and bestowed with the power of high defense."
"Any swordsman aspiring to be a Paladin, require to join the Crusader faction under the Holy Cathedral of Prontera. They share the same church as the Priest and poising as a fighter class that takes on the defensive and supportive role in battle." Summer continues again. I took a quick glance on Crowe from the back.
Indeed. He looks exactly like how Summer portrays him as. Honourable, trustworthy, and charismatic. He gives an impression of a truly experienced man that leads many battles before, and whoever in his party would feel safe.
"... So, Leya...? What are you aspire to be as, later?" the hunter asked softly.
"Is it — a battle-oriented Knight...? Or a chivalrous Crusader...?" she smirked a little, giving me questions to answer for myself.
I paused, contemplating about Summer's words for a moment. Truthfully speaking, I have never thought anything close to job advancement since the day of my arrival here. I was so preoccupied with the quest, and the predicament that befall on me literally shift my attention away from concerning the nitty gritty of this world. I haven't sit down and go through the two advance jobs that I should be preparing to proceed in the future — Knight or Crusader. Which path shall I choose?
But, there's some truth in Summer's words. I can't be a swordswoman forever, right? Even this is an afterlife that I couldn't escape, or a parallel universe that I chance upon, I need to be stronger than today; in order to proceed further in the incoming quests that I bound to take, to unlock the keys and return home safely.
As I was deeply immersed within my own thoughts, Summer added again, "You know, don't think so hard about it. Look at me, after all those years, I am still a hunter — enjoying my life."
"Take your time, Le—" the hunter's words immediately cuts off as Destins moved in between us steathily and points out, "I say, choose carefully about the next job you're going to be, Leya..." his voice under his breath, unimpressed over something that both me and Summer chattering earlier on.
I looked at the Hunter and she returned the same 'no-clue' gaze back at me. Apparently, Destins wasn't really himself when Crowe and Amelia declared they are part of the Bio-Engineering organization from Schwartzvald. His mood grew sour though he assured me that he is just being cautious around those two adventurers.
Our ongoing conversation then interrupted by a sudden halt cry from Crowe, which nudged every of us to be on guard. "He's here! Edgar!"
The paladin immediately casted a spell that embodied his shield with invisible light. "Reflect Shield!"
And next, another type of skill Crowe casted had his armour and large shield enveloped in radiance.
"Auto Guard!"
I was quite taken aback obviously. How would I explain this feeling again? Perhaps the right word fits in this situation would be, aspiration.
"Amelia! Buff Kyrie Eleison and the rest like usual. I will draw Edgar closer to our vicinity." Crowe charged forward while giving orders to us.
"Summer would take out the Bigfoot horde with Arrow Shower when they appeared, approximately 5 feet away from our spot. Destins would fight Edgar with normal attacks, alternating Sonic Blow and Summer would follow suit with the finishing blow after the second wave."
"Aye!" the hunter chirped in agreement.
"And Leya—!"
"Y—yes sir...!" I stuttered. Crowe looked at me with his stern amber eyes, his hand then directed me to the spot next to the high priest. "Stay behind Amelia if need to."
"Tch." I heard Destins clicked his tongue in a distance. Possibly annoyed in one way. I nodded without saying more, hands on my weapon already in case anything happened.
Summer prepared her bow, ready to fire at any will. Sharp arrow on point, and would snipe any monsters that emerged in the proximity where Crowe stood.
Destins, on the other hand, hasn't move a single step. "This is why sometime I do not like party up random people at all. They think they could bark orders around just because they are pro!? Hmph." said him, as he lunged towards Edgar.
"Kyrie Eleison!" Amelia chanted a beautiful spell and I could feel some lightness in my head immediately. I wished I could participate in the battle with them, but I guess my current self would only hinders the job. Thinking about how 'useful' I am, my shoulder slumped a little, feeling dejected.
Amelia noticed the changes in me and smiles, "This is your first MVP, Leya?"
"Yeah... But I can't join though. I would be in their way obviously." said me, eyes looking down.
"Now that's where you're wrong." the high priest cupped my chin and stated, "You are part of the group, dearie. No matter how the situation goes, you are still a member in the party. Crowe just want to be sure you're safe." I could see some light wrinkles on Amelia's face. In a closer examination, she does looks a bit older than Crowe — possibly around mid 30's.
That explained further the maturity of her mindset and the way she conducts herself throughout the journey. Her assurance of my importance in the party and that they are keeping me safe — despite I can't offer help in any way, has lifted my spirits.
I took this chance to study the rest of them. The way they battle, the way they work together and the critical importance of how each ally played their roles correctly during an MVP fight.
"Crowe." I heard Destins called out from a distance. The paladin continues taking hits, and counter attack the horde. "Let Leya joins the battle. She needs to learn the practical firsthand."
"I insist." he added again. The redhead pushed back the force that Edgar launched but the mutant Tiger beast lurched forth in full strength, almost sending Destins flew out of the zone. Fortunately, the assassin side swipe and evade the attack skillfully.
Crowe threw his large shield and knocked the Bigfoot out of commission. "Shield Boomerang!"
The paladin then lunged forth with his sword aiming at Edgar, trying to avert its attention to him instead. Both Crowe and Destins now stood back to back, facing the monsters group together. "If you can bear the responsibility of her safety, I would be okay with it!"
"Not that I didn't warn you; she is just a swordwoman!" the paladin uttered, while swung his blade — slicing a Bigfoot to half.
The redhead then jumped, away from the MVP and prepared his next battle stance. "Leya!" he beckoned me to follow suit.
"Get in here now!" I staggered. "W—what should I do there?" I felt a soft nudge from my side. It was Amelia's. She lightly pushed me to the front and nodded. "Go to your friend. This is the time where you should provide some assistance."
"You said it yourself, Leya. Now's the time to showcase your skill to us." the high priest winked, and casted a spell onto me. "Blessing!"
I silently thanked her for the encouragement earlier. Alright, here goes nothing! I mused to myself. I drew my level 27 weapon out — a katana dropped by Side Winder in the labyrinth that me and Destins manage to tackled a day before. I was indeed lucky as I get to keep some of the good loots to be used in future, like now. Pretty handy, I daresay.
"Yarrrghhh—!!" I charged forward, no longer hesitating about my abilities.
I caught a glimpse of Destins beaming from a close distance. I nodded back at him, a sign of acknowledgement and appreciation at the same time. Now I could demonstrate some of the skills I have learned throughout this short journey.
"Clear those Bigfoots that targeting Summer! We are going to prepare for the final wave now! Edgar's already enraged and entered berserk mode. So, be on guard guys!" Crowe shouted his orders from afar. I noticed Summer hidden herself well behind bushes and continues sniping the incoming horde. And Destins already taking Edgar one-on-one while the paladin mitigating the damage for the assassin with his barrier skill, which I can't pinpoint of.
"Edgar's weakened by my poison. We'll be getting this thing done soon!"
"Just a little moooreee..." the redhead smirked, slashing the beast multiple times before jumping away.
"Leya! Unleash your Bash now!" Destins commanded me. I dashed forward with my katana in full speed. However, my attack bounced back in instant as Edgar saw through my strategy and counter attacked. Due to the berserk state, the beast's damage increased higher than before.
"Leya!" the redhead cried out my name. I was on my knees already, my vision started blurring. I could spot my HP drops rapidly, almost close to the red. If I am not careful again next round, I would be doomed.
"Heal!" Amelia casted her healing spell in time and I rejuvenated immediately. Feeling refreshed and new, I was about to launch another attack again — however, Crowe stopped me.
He threw an iron shield at me and spoke, "You need this. It will protect you and lessen the damage taken." I took the item and equipped it without hesitation. A message popped out and registered the shield name as "Buckler" into my inventory. I noticed my DEF stats increased a little this time. Perhaps, that's the best to have right now. At least, with this extra left-hand equipment, I would be able to withstand this battle longer.
Destins heaved a relief sigh as I stood back, unwavered. While Crowe holding Edgar at fort. And Summer almost ran out of her ammunition. "Gonna make this quick guys! I'm out of arrows already!" the hunter warned.
"We're almost there! Keep attacking—!"
"Bash!" I swung my katana high and slashed Edgar, adding damages to it then jumped back immediately to give opening to the main cast — the assassin comrade of mine to finish whatever he needs to do.
The tiger beast staggered on foot, wobbling; after receiving relentless attack from Destins.
The redhead's expression displayed confidence, and he landed a nice finishing blow in such elegance — killing Edgar in one hit.
"Awesome!" Summer was the first to celebrate. "Let's celebrate with ale later, shall we?" She slung her bow to the back and gives a thumbs up, "Haven't get rusty yet, aren't you Destins?" the hunter teases, much to Destins' annoyance but in a good way of course.
High Priest Amelia joined us sooner and applauded me for my brave participation in the battle despite just a little. "Congrats Leya, on your first MVP." I replied her with a soft smile. And Crowe spotted dragging the dead body of Edgar to the side and beckoned the high priest to join him in a second.
We were the happiest after all this thing completed. Loots were everywhere. Destins took this time to examine the items and his smile just enough to confirm me about it.
Tiger's Foot.
In fact, we were lucky to get two in just one battle! Destins explained it was thanks to the amulet bought from a friend at Morroc, and he has been using it since earlier. Thus, the droprate of any rare item increased by double.
I beamed from the inside, knowing that we have finally completed the entire quest. Slightly few seconds later, a message prompted in front of me — congratulating me for the completion of first quest. I checked the timer, and voila — it stopped ticking.
I was super relieved.
To be honest, we have approximately 2 hours left to fully settle The March of Valkryja. I expressed gratitude to the higher being for sparing my 'life' here as everything done before the deadline. It was not easy, but yeah — I am at last, able to get some breather.
However, I must say — Destins was the one I truly indebted to. Our days of traveling to Prontera Forest, the Labyrinth and now Payon, has been cut short by his quick-witted planning. Instead of walking or rented a cart which will takes at least days to reach — we used Teleport Scroll. A special rare item dropped by high-tier MVP, according to the redhead. And it could fetched higher price in the market.
I couldn't fathomed this assassin friend of mine sometime, like how he maneuvered situations really well as if he was way experienced than Crowe or Amelia. He possessed some unheard rare items and special loots, but in the battle with Edgar — he literally took his time.
"You played dumb a while ago, eh Destins?" I said, catching up to him from the back.
"Edgar wasn't that hard, right?" I added again, teasingly. The redhead looked at me and responded in a nonchalant way. "Heh, you saw through me."
"Yeah... In fact, I have solo-ed Edgar few times before this. That tiger beard wasn't that tough, honestly speaking. I fought more dreaded monsters and MVP." said him. I could see a light smirk escaped from his lips.
"Geez... You could have just finish the beast off." Destins glanced at me from the corner of his eyes, "Let's just put it this way — I'm being cautious. That's all."
We turned and noticed Crowe, Amelia and Summer were in the midst of inaudible conversation. Edgar's corpse already long disposed of but I guess the trio finally acquired the things they wanted. Welp, we get what we wanted too. Everybody's happy, case closed.
"By the way..." Destins slowed down his step and I caught up just right behind him.
"... You look great with the katana and the buckler. I bet you would be just as fine whatever jobs you choose after this." his voice sounded heavy, but I refused to ask further.
Both of us take a quick glance over the starry night. It was beautiful. The sky was clear, and the million stars twinkling like small diamonds from afar.
There was something deep in my mind that I wanted to discuss with Destins about. It has to do with the thoughts of me becoming a Crusader.
The reason was simple: I was highly inspired by Destins' commitment to help me throughout this journey despite knowing I was a newbie, he went out of his way to make sure I completed the quest too. He could've solo from the beginning but he chose to stay. Also, it is the right time for me to contribute something in return now. The aspirations I get from observing Crowe's battle and leadership, affirmed me even stronger. I wanted to be that person who protects her friends wherever they are; whatever situations they're in. Just like Crowe did.
I paused for a brief moment, and trying to suggest an idea to the redhead that we would trained a little before parting ways to do our things independently, "Say... Since the first main quest completed, any plan after th—"
"Ale! Ale! Ale!"
My words interrupted by Summer's impulsive cries of joy. She seems pretty high, I reckon. She was hopping around like a bunny and thrusted her fist high into the sky. "Come, my fellowship! I know just a right place in Payon to celebrate our victory. Teehee~"
"Flower Blossom Inn, here we come!" said she, grinning like a little girl there.
Destins shrugged, while Amelia chuckled softly at the Hunter's demeanour.
Crowe, however, stood next to me. He then whispered lightly, "You show potential in the battle just now, Leya. I am impressed, indeed."
"Your meaning, sir?" I returned his gaze. "Well, the courage. Even knowing you're just a swordwoman, not a knight nor a crusader yet — you didn't faltered. Instead, you braved against the odds."
"That alone... is commendable." he commented, and patted my shoulder as compliment.
"With times, I believe you would make into a fine Crusader. That's it— if you decided to choose this path. That buckler I gave you, is the proof of your worthiness." Crowe affirmed me again.
"Here, take this sigil and show to the faction later once level 40. Say my name and you'd get to take the test immediately." getting a praise from a pro Paladin, a transcended class after Crusader according to Summer — is one thing; but getting a recommendation!? That was like sending me into a fast track.
Thanking Crowe several times, I flipped the silver-plated sigil and heaved a deep, relief breath. Such an honour, I thought to myself.
I pulled out the buckler that strapped to my side and take a few good look at it.
"Yep."
That's it. I have decided.
I shall take the path to be a Crusader.
— Chapter 6: Of Sword and Shield —
Author's Footer Note: Please take note that this fiction is gonna be a little OOC in terms of places, lore and some item names, in order to provide some fresh perspective of ideas and originality.
However, the system remained the same as RO PC and with some new addition of RO Mobile into it.
This is quite a long chapter and I hope I did a good job in explaining some of the features correctly. And yay for Leya's first MVP battle. It wasn't easy to pull out a first POV, in a game-lit centred story that takes on classic MMORPG. Leya's situation was a major throwback to me. I used to join MVP battle even I was just a noob swordie back then.
But yeah, those were the good o' days!
Alright, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please support me by adding this story to FAVOURITE, and SUBS me of course!
See ya again in next one!
xoxo,
Little Dragon Girl