Chapter 11

Shatter.

The great sound of relief for many; it was a soothing sound whenever it wasn't a player´s body producing it. Nonetheless, this action came from a giant fiend inside a giant room; the boss on the twenty-first floor.

Swish!

Countless pieces drifted towards the ceiling as a Congratulations icon appeared. Many other small screens appeared in front of the rest of the players, including myself. My fireteam, and two other players that were added to our group to form a party, gently sat down on the hard surface of the boss room, regaining our breaths. Our party being attack group, we were quite exhausted after the hour long battle.

In order to participate in battle, organized players must join together in parties of six, except solo players, who just rush in whenever they feel like it. The ALS teams where made up of four, so some teams would have to temporally disband in half to meet the expectations. We were always joined by other two other players, a battle axe wielder named [Token] and a rather mysterious full body armored bladed-staff wielder named [Ray].

"Quite a hard battle, don't you think"

"Naa, you were just too slow to keep up with the rest!"

"Well your sword skills can use some practice, your hand is too stiff!"

"Yeah, and your feet are too sluggish, your hands move too much but your legs don't, you also need to work on that"

"Touché"

Ray was the guy I most connected with in the group, even though he was a part type member, and aside from the fact that we met recently, we always cliqued well because we could tell each other freely our defects without worries. Token was also a fun guy, and both were always welcome into our group.

The ALS members, with commander Kibaou leading, and other guilds and solo players, fought hard as well to bring the monster down. And now, after it was all over, everyone cheered with joy; and so did I, as I looked at my window to see the amount I had acquired.

5,000 Col! Alright! Now I have enough!

Gently rising, I stood in front of my team while trying to hide my seemingly face of joy.

"Great job everyone; I am honored to be fighting by your side"

"…Relax leader, you're always being the "full of honor" guy"

"Haha, sorry… guess I'm just like that"

"We should head towards the new floor, now. Can't wait to see what it has for us!"

As happy as ever, Zero always heightened the moral of the group. It was his always-smiling attitude that kept us going.

And as we kept conversing, we began climbing the stairs that led to a new floor: the twenty-first floor to be exact. And as we headed towards the new town, I was eagerly waiting to receive my leave.

Traversing the small road that led to the new town, we were met with such familiar views. A huge forest with a small stone path leading towards the main town. I was guessing this town would be like any other, and I was right, as we quickly arrived to another well-known small medieval town.

It was now that intended to separate from my team in order to fulfill my plans. But not before leaving things in place.

"Hey man, I'm leaving, gotta do some business"

"Might it have to do with what day it is!?"

"…."

"Ha, never mind, go right ahead"

Shaking hands, Ray parted towards his original group in order to report.

"See you around man, keep that sucker out of trouble for me"

"Sure thing, later!"

Also following behind was Token, as he too had to report.

"There´s something I have to do, so take my share and treat yourselves to something. Yo, Z, buy yourself that sword you wanted; K, upgrade that lace, as it could use some repairs too; and K, take care of them, and get yourself something to eat, you haven't ingested anything since yesterday"

"Right!"

Sounding like a chorus, Zero, Tak and Kato quickly replied to my orders.

"Any other requests sir!?"

"Oh, just go have some fun! And that's an order! Meet you guys at the base, ok? I'll be there by noon"

Happily requesting, and without restrictions, I headed towards the teleport gate and prepared to travel one floor down; towards the twentieth floor.

After clearing a floor, we were given the day off. They were much cherished because it was when we could leave and pursue personal activities; in truth, days to slack off. But I couldn't, I was always busy with something, and now, there was an unfinished business I had to attend.

[Sunshine Forest]

It was large forest, filled with many species of trees and emblematic ruin safe zones. It was also home to a particular quest, one that I intended to challenge.

I had gone to the main town, [Tybalt] a while ago, since new cities like the one on the twenty-first floor don't have player smiths, to get my equipment repaired. Just like that, and with a few cents, all equipment can be mended back to new. I also got my [Stareyes], a player made one-handed sword, upgraded to a plus four; +1 accuracy, +2 durability and +1 sharpness. It was a fine piece of work, balanced and sturdy; with its sharp, pure white blade and black leather covered handle, and I intended to take on a special quest.

"Let's go!"

Cheering, I headed to the inner part of the forest, making my way thru.