Chapter 4: Ahrah Forest

xxxx

Good lord. Writing original work is a lot harder than modifying existing work, that's for sure. I think this is the fastest I've ever released a story after I first started writing fanfiction (And boy, was my writing haphazard, bad, and full of Mary Sues and Gary Stus).

xxxx

Naruto couldn't help but yawn as he ran to Seoul proper. Over the past week, he'd spent almost all his time in Royal Road. When he wasn't grouped up with Gunter and Kirhi, he hunted by himself. Finally, though, the nonstop play was beginning to put stress on his body. While a player could technically play the game in their sleep, and while the capsule's advanced on-board medical hardware could minimize the effects of keeping the brain working 24/7, Naruto discovered firsthand why the game recommended players to log off and rest.

As a ninja, he had better resistance than most to sleep deprivation. Because of the dangerous nature of shinobi missions, it was only natural to either sleep very little during a mission, or not at all if it was particularly vital. The Jounin sensei had been lenient when they'd been Genin, taking up watch alone while letting them sleep, but as they become older and more capable, it'd been expected of them as well.

So, if he was feeling this sluggish, fatigued, and stupid – ignoring the fact that he'd been called an idiot regularly by his friends – after not getting proper sleep for a week, then Naruto could imagine that the average person wouldn't last even three days.

"In this state, I don't think it's possible to try and find somewhere to train. I feel like a dead man walking." He couldn't manage more than a low mumble, feeling too tired to.

After two hours of running, the last stretch more like staggering, Naruto took a break in front of an expensive looking hotel in the middle of the downtown area. Although he had only broken a little sweat, it felt like his body had no more strength left.

But still, I can't neglect my training. Kakashi-sensei was always telling me that complacency is the enemy of success. If I don't keep up my training now, I could be in danger when I go back... If I get back...

Sighing, Naruto gazed wistfully at the blue sky. In a short while, it would turn grey with smog as all the city's infrastructure began switching on. He reached for the sky. No matter where he was, what world he was in, this blue sky would always look the same. Somewhere out there, his friends would also be living under a blue sky.

I miss them... This loneliness is overwhelming.

He'd been homesick before, when he'd been on the training trip with Jiraiya. The vital difference was that back then, he knew that he'd be able to go home when the time came. Here, it was different. Here, he didn't know if he'd be able to return home ever again. To never see the faces of those he loved and cherished ever again... To never speak with them, grow old with them, and die with them.

Though he'd only been gone for two months, this realization made it seem like he'd been gone for years. Helplessly, tears spilled from his eyes.

Naruto made no motion to wipe the tears away, letting them flow.

\ Men shouldn't cry so easily. Here. /

A handkerchief was offered to him from his peripheral vision. Sniffing away some snot, he shifted to take it, grateful. Wiping away his tears with the kerchief as he stood back up, he turned to hand it back.

The person in question was a well dressed redhead. A crisp black business suit made of what looked like silk, highly polished dress shoes, and high quality leather gloves. He possessed emerald green eyes and brilliant red hair tied into a ponytail.

"Thank you."

\ You're welcome. /

It was a different language than the one spoken in this land, but it sounded somewhat familiar.

The young man left the premise of the high class hotel that Naruto'd been sitting in front of and entered a sleek Rolls Royce. Though he lacked extensive knowledge of the scope of this world's technology, Naruto could see from a glance that the construction of the vehicle was worlds apart from the rest of the cars he saw daily.

Damn, that guy is rich.

Naruto yawned, mouth stretching widely.

Dang, I should take a nap when I get back, I can't keep running on fumes like this. Though, I really don't want to run back. Rather, I don't think I could run back. I could take a taxi, but trying to get back during the morning rush hour would be pretty hellish and expensive. I guess I'll grab a coffee or something and just walk back...

xxxx

Black became light as Serabourg city came into view. Veritas appeared where he'd logged out, in South Serabourg Park.

Over the last week, constant hunting had brought his level up to 26. Although he'd made significant progress over the week, one aspect of his character that was starting to irritate him was the Repair skill. Even though he dedicated about two hours a day to just sit around and farm up repair requests from other players, the skill was only level 2 and halfway to level 3. The skill progression slowed tremendously as soon as it leveled up, and he had a bit of a theory about that.

Seeing as the level of fully repairable items increases as I level the skill, maybe the amount of skill progress I get is related to the level of equipment I repair.

On the plus side, he'd received the Handicraft skill when the Repair skill hit level 2. The Handicraft skill improved craft skills and sword mastery. Although he lacked any craft skill apart from repairing, the boost to his sword mastery would be helpful. Veritas had also been entertaining the idea of investing in daggers and throwing knives. It'd provide some variety and unpredictability in combat and give some range to his attacks. Not to mention he was already trained in using the weapons.

Today, Gunter and Kirhi would be offline for the day and then some, so he was free to do whatever he felt like doing. Feeling a little adventurous after rejuvenating his mind and body with a nap, Veritas decided that he'd try his hand at a new hunting ground today.

East! Today, I head east! To Ahrah Forest!

He already had the necessary supplies: bandages, healing potions, bread, and water. The trip would have taken about eight hours on horseback.

Not that I have a dang horse.

The points he'd put into the Agility stat helped, but he was still far from reaching a shinobi's nominal run speed. Given his maximum speed, it would take about fourteen hours to reach the forest, so there was no time to waste.

I have to get there before it becomes night. I also need some time to set up a safe camp.

While hunting in different areas, he and the party discovered that it was efficient to establish small bases stocked with supplies that could be used to rest safely in between hunts. It also made it safer to log in and out within the hunting ground, meaning less travel to and from the place.

As he ran, Veritas ignored all the monsters in favor of speed. The loss of exp and money by not killing them was tragic, something that gnawed at Veritas, but the possibility of dying – again – to nighttime monsters, because he'd taken too long to get to the forest, was even more horrible.

Whenever Veritas saw a large mob in his way, he detoured around them rather than run straight through.

It might be better if I just broke through, because I'd only have to run in a straight line... But then, I'd probably take chip damage and if I kept repeating that over and over, I'd be at low health in no time at all. Then I'd have to rest and lose time. But would the time I lose from resting be more, less, or the same as the time I'm losing by going around the monsters? Arghhhh... I guess I'll just keep doing what I've been doing for now.

After setting the issue aside for a later date, he concentrated on getting to the forest as quickly as possible, even as his body seemed to weigh more heavily with each step, his stamina waning

Just as the sun began to set, Veritas arrived at the edge of Ahrah Forest. Veritas promptly marched in to look for a good place to set up a camp. He didn't fear anything that would live in the outskirts of the forest, because they fell short of endangering him at his effective level of 50. The enemies that lived deeper inside were the ones that worried him.

About an hour later, as the sky began turning a deep violet, Veritas stopped to look around. He took a few minutes to examine the area, then chose a particularly thick and sturdy tree and began to climb. The trees here, close to the danger zone within Ahrah, were the tallest trees within the low level zone.

A danger zone is a high level area planted in the middle of a low level one. This one in particular had a recommended level of 60 and higher.

Knowing this, Veritas came to this place in order to train. Some might call him foolhardy or overconfident, while others might call him self-confident or deluded. None of what might be said would be very positive.

What Veritas did know was that, from his research of the area online, his speed and experience were more than enough to make up for the level difference.

The monsters within the danger zone were more sturdy than quick, strong than agile, and numerous than intelligent.

After climbing up about fifty feet, he set up a series of wooden planks with his hammer and some store-bought nails to make a small wooden platform. Supported by large tree branches underneath and using the tree trunk as a support column, the makeshift base would be stable enough to support his weight and a number of supplies for long periods of time.

Normally, it would be too difficult for a normal player to climb the distance fast enough to reach the safety of the camp, but Veritas had grown up in a forest, so to speak. Climbing trees, chakra or not, was in his blood.

Feeling almost like a shinobi again, Veritas jumped from tree to tree, landing on branches with a deftness that could rival an experienced acrobat. As he went, Veritas placed copper pieces in nooks and crannies to serve as a sort of breadcrumb trail back to the camp.

It didn't take long for the sun to set completely, making it too dark to maintain his pace, the dense foliage of the trees in the danger zone blocking much of the rising moon's light.

Now I have to be a bit more careful. One wrong misstep and I either die from the fall or get finished off by monsters because I broke my legs. What I wouldn't give for being able to channel chakra...

After some time, his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, though he could only barely make out the forest floor. He heard some movement, but the dark and distance made it too difficult to make out where it was coming from or what it was.

… Seeing as nothing passed below me, it must have been a short distance away. Well, I guess I'll try and get a look at what was moving before I head back. The monsters here should be easy pickings in the day. I shouldn't risk my life needlessly. People call me reckless, but not that reckless.

In the next fifteen minutes, Veritas continued to move from tree to tree, making sure not to rustle leaves or snap branches. The noises he was hearing continued to grow louder, though still muffled. Then, he saw lights about sixty feet from the three he was in. As Veritas moved closer, he could see that they were torches planted in the ground. Further on, he spotted a troop of pointy-eared warriors some distance away from the torches, using the flames to cordon off attack zones.

He'd read about these, one of the races of Royal Road. Wood elves, the near-immortals that made their home in forests such as these. They were one of many elven races, and most shared very similar outward appearances. Night and Shadow elves generally had black hair, High elves blonde, Wood elves green, Grey and Dark elves silver. The various elves also had differing skin tones, ranging from grey-black and pale lavender to conventional peach colors.

These wood elves were fighting a maneuver war against a horde of large, disgusting looking arachnids. Just looking at the large, four foot tall, hair-covered spiders made Veritas' skin crawl.

Blech, bugs. Speaking of bugs, I don't think I could ever be one of those Aburame guys who have bugs live inside of them. Gross!

From his position up in the tree, Veritas watched silently. The elves would focus their bows on just a few spiders at a time while backing up, and when they came into close quarters, drew curved sabers to hack away spindly limbs and protruding eyes. From what he could see, the elves were well-trained and disciplined, but there were too many spiders. Inevitably, the elves were sure to take some casualties.

Veritas knew that these people were NPCs, and that they, despite all of their seeming intelligence, were still mere programs. He knew that he could just leave them for dead and no one would think less of him. But watching them struggle onto life, regardless of the medium, Veritas knew that he just couldn't leave them alone to their fate. It was simply not possible to deny his nindo, his way of the ninja, even in the depths of this game world.

Veritas drew his sword as quietly as possible, moving closer. When he was just above their battle line, he waited for the right timing and then dropped off the tree.

Pointing his sword straight down, Veritas intercepted an approaching spider. His blade pierced the unfortunate arachnid's head, and he used the spider's cadaver to minimize his fall damage.

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Critical hit!

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After spending some time fighting in Royal Road, Veritas discovered that striking vital points and weak points precisely caused critical hits, not including the random chance modifier for all attacks. The one spot that was shared amongst the majority of enemies was the head.

Ignoring the shocked expressions of the elves, Veritas leaped to the side and slashed out two eyes from a spider, then gored it through the face in a combo. Another critical hit. By taking away some or all of an enemy's vision and inflicting pain at the same time, it made it difficult for them to react to the followup killing blow.

Although at night, the spiders here would be fast enough and numerous enough to overwhelm him, they were occupied by the elven forces. Having the freedom to take them on one or two at a time, he found it much easier than expected to take on monsters of this level of agility. The spiders that reached the elven front line were already littered with arrows, which allowed his critical strikes to kill them instantly. During the day, it might have taken three, maybe two critical hits to kill off a healthy spider at his level.

Though it seemed as if he was rapidly killing off monsters at a higher level than he was, because of this reality, Veritas actually did not receive all too much of the exp. Thankfully, he did manage to grab all the loot from the spiders.

In thirty minutes' time, with his support in taking down wounded spiders before they reached the elves – who, while capable melee fighters, were fragile and better suited for ranged combat – the battle ended without a single elven loss.

The elves looked at him apprehensively and did not lower their guard. One, who seemed like the leader, stepped forward.

"Thank you for the help, human," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Though we are a proud race, we do not shy from giving thanks where it's due."

"No problem. I just couldn't stand by and watch you die."

The elf raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched on his face. "Even though we are elves?"

"It doesn't matter who you are. I help those who need it. That's just who I am."

"We can give you nothing worthwhile for helping us."

Veritas shook his head forcefully. "I just told you, I did it because I couldn't just let you die. I don't expect you to do anything for me. Is that too hard to believe?"

"Yes. Humans are intrinsically greedy creatures, who seek their own satisfaction at the cost of others."

"That may be so, but I also believe that humans are capable of acts of supreme kindness and sacrifice."

The elf shook his head. "Outliers. They may exist, but they are the minority. Individuals in a sea of nations. But our distrust of humans is a separate matter. It is dangerous in the forest at night. Until the day breaks, I would have you come with us. What is a fact is that you have helped us. This will settle the score. Follow us." Without waiting for a confirmation, he set off, the rest of the elves following suit without a word.

Deciding he might as well, Veritas trailed them, making sure to leave some distance between himself and the elves. It would be better to rest somewhere safe until sunrise anyway. Sure, he considered the camp pretty safe, but there was always the possibility that something could make it up there and attack while he wasn't paying attention.

It took an hour of brisk marching to reach their supposed destination. Supposed, because it seemed that the elves had just stopped in the middle of nowhere.

Is this a joke? Can't be, these guys are NPCs. Unless Unicorn Corporation has a sick sense of humor.

The leading elf raised his arm, and the space in front of them began to shimmer.

I guess we are where we need to be.

Now, Veritas was no stranger to the supernatural, but it was the first time he'd ever witnessed an entire village being hidden like this. He followed the elves through the shimmer and watched as a forest faded out of view, becoming a village of tree houses.

It didn't take long for Veritas to sense that he was unwelcome. The multitude of glares might have possibly given it away.

Gee, I sure feel welcome here. Don't mind me, I only just saved a contingent of your warriors, treat me like an outcast, go ahead.

"Nylinas, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought a human into the village?" An elderly elf boomed from her position at the large tree at the center of the village.

"Elder, my apologies for worrying you and the village." The elf named Nylinas – the leader – dropped to one knee, as did all those who'd fought with him. "This human delivered us in our time of need, caught out at night by the witch's minions. When it seemed our lines would break, he reinforced us. Elder, I, too, believe humans to be untrustworthy, but to abandon one who helped us would be dishonorable. Upon our pride as elves, it is our duty to keep him until the sun rises."

"And if the human tells his people about us? We have lived these past centuries in solitude within the barrier, venturing out only when no one was about. Unlike our brethren at the capital, we swore to live in secrecy, as we always have, safeguarding our people, our culture, and our privacy."

"As... ridiculous as it may seem, I believe that this human would not speak of our presence here. As to why... he had no reason to come to our aid and risk his life. He claims to have done so on a whim, and though I cannot say that I can take him at his word, I sense that his intentions were pure."

"..." The elder elf said nothing, sharp eyes looking for any sign of dishonesty in the kneeling elf in front of her.

"..." Nylinas said nothing as well, but just looked the elder in the eye stoically, hiding nothing.

"... Very well, the human may stay for tonight." The wizened elf shot Veritas a look that told him what would happen if he tried anything strange before stepping back into her home.

Geez...

Nylinas approached him. "Human."

"I have a name, you know." Veritas was starting to get annoyed at how he was being treated. It reminded him about his unfortunate, lonely youth. "It's Veritas."

"Then, Veritas. You can stay in the square until daybreak. I will bring you a bedroll to sleep in. The weather won't be an issue, because the barrier around the village protects us from the elements."

"Alright, though I have a few questions I wanted to ask you."

"There shouldn't be any issue with answering them."

"Thanks. So, I've never heard of anyone setting eyes on an elf in this forest. Others must have obviously tried to uncover the forest's secrets. Why haven't they?"

"The barrier around the village was erected by the previous High Priestess centuries ago. It is special in that if one is not granted permission to enter, they will never be able to reach the village. This spell is repaired by every subsequent High Priestess."

"How were you never seen before?"

"Around the heart of the forest are spells that signal outside presences. Using this, we've managed to get by without ever being seen by the humans who came before you. Speaking on this matter, I have a question for you, Veritas. How did you manage to penetrate the forest so deeply, yet we did not sense you?"

"Oh? That might've been because I was traveling via the treetops."

"Interesting, we'll have to see to getting those warded at some point."

"So, let me get this straight. Your village essentially occupies an entirely separate space when it isn't manifested?"

"Yes. It is a complicated piece of magic that requires a tremendous sacrifice in blood. Our High Priestess gave her life so that we could live in peace. To elves, our respective High Priestesses are the equivalent of your Popes, so you can understand how heavy the cost was."

"I see, I see," said Veritas, who didn't really see. "By the way, your people really seems to hate me."

"They dislike all humans. Humans are infamous for devastating nature completely and utterly for their own profit. They do not care who or what they trample over in the process."

"Okay, fine. So you guys hate humans. Still, why am I stuck out here? Can't I at least stay with one of you guys? Like, I freaking helped you guys out of a tight spot, you know?"

"My apologies. Unless an outsider is approved by the elder, entry into buildings is prohibited. It's a very old rule that was instated back when we elves lived more openly."

"That is complete bull."

"Rules are rules. I will be back shortly with your bedroll." Nylinas left briskly.

"Well, shit. This sucks."

Veritas sighed and sat down. The ground was mostly grass, with occasional patches of dirt where the highest amount of foot traffic was.

He closed his eyes and tried to meditate, like he would in trying to enter Sage Mode. Veritas focused on entering a state of emptiness, siphoning away his stress and frustration little by little. He sat completely still, breathing at a steady rhythm. It was difficult because he didn't have the capability to channel magic. He was basically groping blindly, hoping to grab a moving target.

Veritas lost track of time as he sought to take in nature within himself. It was calming to meditate again. Ever since defeating Madara, he'd seldom had the opportunity to enter Sage Mode. The different nations had come to peace with one another, and the only real dangers left were from nukenin and the supernatural.

The essence of nature proved as fleeting as it'd been when he'd first started training to harness natural energy. Every time he tried to grasp it, it slipped through his fingers like smoke. Each time he thought he had it, it evaded him. Once, he managed to hold on to it for a second or two, but then that too slipped away.

Veritas opened his eyes and shivered a bit as his senses returned to him.

I guess the temperature isn't included in the "elements".

Someone had covered him with a blanket while he was meditating.

Probably Nylinas. Typical. Acts cold, but is actually really considerate.

He frowned, sensing a presence behind him. It turned out to be the village elder, sitting on the steps of her tree house.

"Is there something you need?" Veritas asked. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Long enough. It's almost sunrise."

Sunrise? Damn.

"Human. You seem to know how to connect with nature. How is that so?"

"The name's Veritas, and I was taught how to do this by my godfather's mentors."

"Interesting."

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Why are you suddenly so willing to talk to me?"

"I'm speaking with you now because you display qualities that set you apart from the rest of the humans. It's quite atypical for a human to try and connect with nature like you just did. Most knowledgeable humans tend to merely surround themselves with nature, but you... you tried to become one with it, as we elves do. We revere nature. That doesn't mean we won't harvest nature's bounty when needed, but we do so in moderation and in humility. We elves understand our place in the world, that all life is nothing without the blessings of mother nature."

"I also respect nature. I grew up in a grand forest, just like this one. We lived with the forest, were protected by it, and protected it in turn. I think I can understand why you might dislike humans, but I don't think that's a good enough reason to spurn outsiders. If you close yourselves off like this, you'll never be able to try and teach others how to treat nature properly. They'll stay ignorant for now until eternity."

"There is no point in teaching if it will not be put into practice."

"The worst thing you can do is to not try, wondering if things could have been different, but never knowing. No one has ever walked without first falling down, elder."

"That may be true. For a human, you are wiser than I expected. Elves do not give out compliments lightly, so consider this an honor."

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Reputation increased by 10.

Familiarity with the Elves of Ahrah increased by 20.

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"Still, we don't trust humans. But, it may be possible for us to trust you. If you complete the various tasks we give you, we wood elves might just consider opening up to the outside world.

~Ttiring~

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A new quest!

Trial of Proving

The wood elves of Ahrah seclude themselves completely from the rest of the world. To coax them out of their isolation and interact with the world, a mediator is necessary. Complete the trial and gain the elves' respect.

Quest Difficulty: D

Rewards: Elven Medallion.

Quest Restrictions: Complete within seven days.

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Aha! Quest! Today's my lucky day.

"I will gladly take the opportunity to prove myself to your people."

"Very well. Once the sun fully rises, get whatever you need at the stalls and return here for more details." The elder departed.

Veritas looked up the pale lavender sky and knew he still had some time until morning. He looked around at the surrounding forest. They were larger and more majestic than the ones at the outskirts of the danger zone. These were the well-cultivated nobility to the unruly problem children of the border.

These giant trees really do remind me of home...

Smiling, he recalled memories of running up trees. Of competing with his closest friend and greatest rival, spurring each other on in a test of superiority.

Those were good times. We were innocent back then, so innocent. Weak too. But I think those are some of my best memories. I wonder what it's like in Konoha right now. Do they know I'm missing? Does anyone feel anything for my disappearance? Is the village safe? Are my friends... my family, safe?

A bitter smile on his face, Veritas laid down and looked up at the sky. The sky in Royal Road was so very clear. There weren't many sources of light and emissions pollution. Here, in the heart of an elven forest, the sky stood out even more brilliantly. The skies in this world reminded him more of home than in reality, for obvious reasons. Veritas watched the sky slowly change shades as the sun rose higher and higher, at peace surrounded by nature's blessings.

After waiting until he could see the sun, he stood up and dusted himself off. He went to the stalls, and although the village was separated from the outside world, he found plenty of equipment on sale for currency – which could be melted down for the metals – or barter. Veritas took particular interest in a set of throwing knives – what were the chances of that? – made out of wood.

"Wondering if it will cut anything, even though it's made of wood, brat?" asked an old elf. He crossed his arms proudly. "Made out of the finest Ironleaf trees this side of the Versailles continent. Hard as iron, light as wood. Better velocity and penetration power."

Veritas examined a knife.

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Ironleaf Throwing Knife

Durability: 40/40

Damage: 22-25

A weapon native to Wood Elves, the only known cultivators of the Ironleaf Tree. It is light, but deadly.

Restrictions:

Level 60.

Agility: 150.

Attributes:

5% bonus projectile speed.

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I'm not a high enough level to equip it yet, but those are some nice stats, and I already have the Agility. Ehhhh, why not?

"Hmm... how much?"

"Twenty silvers each." He held up a hand quickly as Veritas made to protest. "Whoa there! Hold your horses, youngster. I'd like to remind you that these are superior to most anything you humans can churn out, and that they're reusable."

"I guess I'll take ten, then."

He handed over two of his nine gold pieces, crying mentally at spending so large a portion of his funds. Veritas told himself that it was a long-term investment, repeating that to himself over and over until he returned to the square, where the elder was waiting for him.

"Sorry, were you waiting long?"

"Our perception of time is very different from you humans because of our heightened lifespans."

"Oooookay?"

I guess that means she didn't wait long?

"If you have finished preparing, I will now tell you what you need to do. Your trial will be to clear the Arachnid Warriors from the Grove of Statues. You fill find the grove to the north. It is where we rest our dead. For the crime of desecrating our dead's resting place, the sentence is death. Be warned, the spiders there will be a detachment from their main force, not like the scouts from last night."

"How will I get back in the village after I complete this task?"

"If you complete it, you mean. If you succeed, come back to the point – you at least remember it, don't you? – and raise your left arm. That is the sign that signify that a village-dweller has returned. If you are an elf, or else acknowledged by us, the barrier will open for you."

"So... am I acknowledged by you?"

The answer was immediate, cold, and ruthless. "No."

"..."

"The sentries will know to expect you. This is a one-time only deal. You succeed, you enter the barrier. If you fail, we cannot acknowledge you, and you are kept out."

"So, who're you sending with me?"

"Hurry up and leave."

"... Wait, I have to do this alone?"

"Yes."

"I have to do something an entire force would do. Alone."

"Yes. You need to go at least this far to show that you're sincere."

"..."

"..."

"You're serious."

"Do I sound like I'm joking?"

"..."

Veritas turned on the spot and left huffily. He muttered darkly to himself as he passed the boundary, re-entering Ahrah Forest. As the barrier closed behind him, Veritas sighed heavily, then tucked his belt up.

"Well. Time to get to work then."

xxxx