Chapter 2. The Greatest Strength

Matty then turns looks around at the other players observing what they are doing. He spots two players running off down an ally. Then turns back to the group and says

"We need to get out of town. Quickly follow me."

Matty takes off running, parting the crowd and everyone in the group follow's. For several minutes the group runs down streets and alleys till they reach the outside stops and speaks.

"We need to get as far away from the begining town as soon as possible. Soon these fields will be picked clean of quest and hunting spots."

Matty moves his hand through the air and brings up his map.

"We will make our way here."

The calm and Cherub who seemed like his legs were going to give out. Stand to each side of him looking at the map. Xonj looks over at Philus. Philus is hunched over with his hands on his knees. Sweat drips from his head to the cobblestone. In a hushed tone he speaks.

"I can't believe this. I can't, why? Why would someone do this? How can they do this?"

Xonj moves over to Philus and drops to his knees and grabs Philus's shoulders.

"Philus look at me! We are stuck here that is the situation. Lucky us you brought plenty of capable men instead of a bunch of doctors with you. Don't ask questions we may never have the answers to. We have to accept where we are and think of what to do. Focus on what we can do. We are going to get out of here. Even if I have to clear every floor myself. I will get us out of here."

Philus eyes reflect blankly and slowly return with some life. He bows his head and manages a weak laugh. Philus starts to flashback to a night talking to Xonj's grandfather. Xonj's grandfather says

"People who don't know Jon are confused, but people who know him want him around all the time. He is the least negative person I know and has a willpower that is uplifting. Can do anything that boy can. Most recently he started carrying a gun around everywhere he goes. I asked him why he feels he needs to have a gun. He told me."

Then Xonj's grandfather quotes Xonj

"Pep I need this for when my family needs me, or the weak and the innocent,and for myself. I will do what I can to protect those around me."

Then Xonj's grandfather says

"I was concerned about him but after you fumble those words in your head. He wants to protect people. So I call him a few days later and ask. Jon why do you want to protect people? He then tells me words that are unforgettable to me."

"Because I have faith that all people are capable of doing good. I will do anything to give them that chance."

"This was most surprising to me because Jon has not had the easy life once he struck out on his own. First he battle refused any medication, then his first relationship was very unique and the both of them made it hard on themselves , then he could not find where he belonged, but some how he wants to protect people to give them the chance to do good."

Philus raises his head and looks at Xonj.

"You're right we need to worry about what we can change."

Matty then says

"Ok I have got a pretty solid plan to get some good loot and get stronger with little interference from the other players."

Xonj looks at Philus and says

"This is it."

Philus thinks to himself

"This is where he was meant to be. He will get us out of here."

Dec. 4th 2022

Matty receives a message while they are in a small town turning in quest.

"I just got a message. The 1st floor boss has been defeated!"

He pauses with shock in his eyes "We can beat this game!"

Xonj thinks to himself.

"Its has almost been a month now. Philus has taken a liking to a polearm he got as a drop and Cherub has grown fond of a dagger. Matty is using a two handed sword and our weapon master has been using a rapier. I have been using a longsword and a shield. says he likes the free hand and shields would slow down his and Cherub's weapon."

Matty and Philus begin to celebrate with wild pelvic thrust. Mr. Clark was looking through his U.I. and Cherub places his palm over his face.

Xonj looks around the town and to the sky towards the pillar linking the 1st floor to the next. He then notice a NPC move out of the corner of his eye. His attention is taken to this NPC one he had never seen before. They had been around this area for the last month and this is the first time he has laid eyes on him. He begins walking towards the older man with grey hair and a receding hairline. The old man is sitting on a bench with a wooden cane in his hand with a large knot at the top. The older man looks to Xonj and grins with closed eyes. The skin on his forehead wrinkles and he faces back to the blue sky with minimal clouds. Xonj then asks the old man.

"May I have a seat?"

The old man nods his head and continues to look forward into the sky.

"Let me ask you young man. What makes a man stronger? So strong it becomes his greatest weakness?"

Xonj looks into the distance at the sky. A pair of birds then land on a nearby tree. The birds look to each other and then take flight through the sky where Xonj and the old man looked off to. Xonj then thinks not of the question but the answer he already knew. Xonj in RL was a single man and has no children. His life was purposed to improving himself in mind,body,and spirit.

"Love. Its love sir."

A message screen then comes up.

Skill aquired, Item acquired

Shield Combat, Ai(Shield)

"Thank you sir"

Xonj says to the man before getting up from the bench still looking towards the sky. He opened his U.I. and equips Ai. A large tower shield with a groove on the top left for peering past the shield towards the enemy. The bottom is like two fangs and a foot width bar sticks out from the inside towards the user. He then pulls up his skill list and stares at Shield combat.