[ - Author's Note - ]
Well then, here we go. While the previous two chapters were written with a solid plan from start to finish this one is a little less planned. I know where I wanna start, go and end the chapter, but it's a question of how well I can connect it all.
Please, let me know how I did.
And here...
We...
Go...
[ - Prologue – Part III: Git Gud - ]
About ninety percent of the time I didn't plan much at all. Maybe it was because I was a bit impulsive, hated wasting time or what but when it came to plans I didn't do them really. If I needed something I went and got it. If I had to pick between one thing or another I went with what worked. If I wanted to go out to eat I went to the first place that seemed good enough. I rarely planned much at all. However that was most of the time.
The other ten percent I planed the fuck out of everything. When I built my computer I did so much research, shopping around and planning it amazed my friend who built computers as a job. And then there was that video I released in the film festival at my high school...
Oh god, I still laugh at that...
In short I had to channel that ten percent. I stroked my chin for a moment as I looked over my choices. I made my first move; the Random Trait. I was going to get saddled with that, no matter what I did, so if it sucked then I'd need to play around it. If it was good I could play to it. If it was more neutral then I could just adjust to it. I selected it, seeing a flash of names flashing by before slowing down and settling on one...
[[Chick Magnet]]
Almost every woman has an attraction towards you. Some can explain it, some cannot. Every female you know gains +25 to all Romance Values. There's a random chance of a Desire increase to women around you.
I nearly facepalmed. I could feel my eyebrow (Or my soul's eyebrow?) twitch in response. I'd... Call that neutral. I mean, sure, it would help get me laid.
It wouldn't help me stay alive though. I mean a second chance like this was rare as fuck, I'm sure. I had to make the best of it and become as formidable a fighter as I could.
Sighing I moved and made my second choice, picking World Select and picking Ecchi World. That was one I had to pick; even ignoring the issues of both Hentai Worlds I was sure that a number of my allies would be women by all considerations. At least they should be unless I went full asshole on the world.
Yeah, no. If I played Mass Effect I was almost always a full Paragon. When I played Star Wars: The Old Republic I made almost all light side choices. I really don't like playing the villain. I never blamed anyone who liked playing that end in the games, I just never cared for it. I'm sure someone would laugh at me for it, but I liked playing the good guy, damn it.
Ecchi world was still... Well, overly erotic, but at least it wasn't misogynistic. … I think. I wouldn't count it as misogynistic anyway. … Well, aside from the half naked women, but I imagine they dressed themselves.
Fuck, I wonder what the story was behind that? There had to be one.
I mean they would be able to fight back against any men who would rape them, unlike the Hentai Worlds. That was the biggest consideration after all. Sure, making sure your allies were able to fight was logical, but it was also the moral choice. Even if the Ecchi world thing was... Ugh...
Anyway...
The Ecchi World choice would mean all the women would be able to fight at full power and not crumple to any man that wanted to rape them, which was sick and wrong. Sure, the Garan leader was a woman and likely had some under her employ... But also seemed to fight a lot of women as well. And chances were I'd be fighting Garan and have a few female allies. The last thing I needed was the healer freezing up because a chance of rape came up and the RNG wasn't kind that day. I also noted that a lot of the better choices leaned towards Romance and not Corruption, and what Corruption options were there weren't that great. As if there was a subtle hint nudging me to Romance.
Not that I would do the Corruption route, even if it wasn't a crappy option.
The main easy choices done I went over the others and picked out what would be the most important ones; Race, Class, Parentage and Background. It was clear these would have the biggest impact on what I'd be able to do. I had an urge to go for my usual class when I saw it; Paladin.
When I played WoW back in the day, I mained Paladin. Final Fantasy Fourteen; Paladin. Old Republic? Jedi Knight – Guardian, the closest thing to Paladin they had. I liked to play the tank and a tank that could heal sounded even better. I played other classes, of course, but that was the way I drifted. This was different however.
I couldn't stop in the middle of the city, shout 'PALADIN, LOOKING FOR PARTY!' at the top of my lungs, grab a couple dudes and go to town if I needed some back up. I didn't know if I'd have a guild or group to back me up. For all I knew I could be leading armies or fighting alone. I needed something flexible and able to adjust to situations on the fly. Rather then pick classes I felt would fit best or just go Paladin on temptation I decided to toss out classes that didn't fit my needs. In that case I tossed out some out right away.
Wildman and Pugilist went right away; no armor at all until they upgraded. Swordsman followed; swords only and not flexible at all. Juggler went because no armor and only knives.
Singer and Priest followed; too support focused for what I'd need. Then I looked at Engineer and it's upgrades.
That was tempting to pick; being able to use six shooters in a medieval word? That could be broken.
Could be...
"Olivia?" I called out. "The weapons listed as 'cartridge based', what can you tell me about them?
[For the setting they are difficult to make, expensive to buy and ammo is, likewise, expensive. As an example a Gunner with basic equipment will spend as much as four Knights in Plate Armor, not factoring bullets.}
[The ability to manufacture such weaponry and make the powder is not yet common. In terms of weapon effectiveness they are very good verses unarmored and lightly armored targets, but less so verses armor heavier then chain mail.]
[This is, in part, due to restrictions placed on the RPG-X3 System as it was being made. It was feared that otherwise the firearms would make things 'unbalanced'.]
I winced. On one hand I could see how firearms, even pre-modern firearms would be unbalanced as hell.
But this made them sound like they were nerfed into impracticality. I wanted to go cowboy on all the knights, but thought better of it. There was a good chance I'd be unable to afford much of anything. I wasn't an expert in medieval warfare, but I knew plate armor was expensive.
Engineer was off the list.
Rouge followed. I wasn't that good at stealth games and while this could be different I didn't want to focus on it.
That was just over half the classes off the list. Looking over what was left I dropped Lancer; less flexible then Fighter and Paladin so it made sense to me. Mage followed soon after; being too weak in melee wasn't something I wanted. I considered Arcanist for a bit, but I set it aside as well; weak in melee and I'd be relying on commanding something; with no idea of the specifics I decided to pass.
That left on my list Fighter, Archer, Spell Blade and Paladin (Of course). Now I had to whittle them down further.
Archer dropped off first. Again, I wanted to be able to melee. And I wasn't sure how well I could handle melee on that. The ability to fight at range was a good idea and I wanted it as an option, but I wasn't sure how well I wanted to rely on it. And arrows were limited.
Fighter then dropped off; no ranged options until upgrade and not much else then melee. That left Paladin and Spell Blade.
Paladin, as I said before, was my go-to class. A lack of ranged attacks, but close range magical boosts, barrier and healing magic, good armor and weapons selection. Templar also added magical ranged attacks so it was quite tempting for me. I loved the whole holy knight thing. Ironic; I was never religious at all. Go figure.
Spell Blade, meanwhile, reminded me of Red Mage from the Final Fantasy series and it was my second favorite class in Fourteen. Offensive magic of all types, healing magic and I presumed defensive as well. The weapons selection was limited, but using a rapier was a boon more then a problem; I'd taken fencing in high school. I was one of the better members of the team, but the top student there could school me rather well. I got a few third places and one second in tournaments. Being able to apply an old skill to a new world was tempting. But there was something I wondered, looking over Spell Blade once more.
"Olivia, what's Gambeson and Mage Robe?"
[Accessing Glossary Information.]
Two smaller windows popped up, giving information to me. The first resembled a red sweater that was very thick, as if it was padded well. The second was lighter and looked like a knee length blue robe with a sash around the waist area.
(-)
Armor Type: Gambeson
Slashing Resistance: Light to Moderate
Piercing Resistance: None to Light
Blunt Resistance: None to Light
Magical Resistance: None to Light
Weight: Very Light
Agility Penalty: None
Other Bonuses: None
Gambeson is a type of light armor. There are two main types; cloth and leather.
Cloth Gambeson is made of, usually, wool that's tightly woven and layered. Despite being cloth it is effective, if cheap, armor. It's effective versus most knives and swords, less so versus piercing and blunt forces.
Leather Gambeson is made from leather cured with liquid mana that will reinforce the animal skins into proper armor. It's usually as effective against cutting strikes as cloth, but has some resistance to blunt, piercing and magic attacks. However by comparison it's much more expensive then cloth gambeson, but still much less so then any form of metal armor. Wool and silk can be soaked in liquid mana in a similar manner, but for unknown reasons it doesn't match the effectiveness of mana treated leather.
It is considered effective armor for those needing light armor and a need to remain mobile, silent or both.
(-)
Armor Type: Mage Robe
Slashing Resistance: None to Light
Piercing Resistance: None to Light
Blunt Resistance: None to Light
Magical Resistance: Light to Moderate
Weight: Very Light
Agility Penalty: None
Other Bonuses: Bonus to Mnc - None to Light
Mage Robe is made of one of two materials and is a light armor used mostly by magic users.
One version is made from cotton soaked in a light liquid mana. This version of liquid mana is cheaper, making this sort of robe relatively inexpensive. Any fabric made of plant fibers can be soaked in this manner, even already existing outfits. It increases the magical resistance of the outfit for the wearer, although not drastically. A standard liquid mana dip will grant a greater effect, but is more expensive.
The other is made of a silk made by the Alchous Silkworm. It's a fine silk that is weaved into soft, precise clothing. It's pricey but offers some physical protection when layered and more magical protection. It's most notable trait, however, is that the fibers draw ambient mana in the air to the cloth, allowing the user to use them for spells.
This type of armor is common for any and all magic users.
(-)
"Huh." I was surprised that gambeson was that decent. I mean sure it wasn't great but was better then I expected. "Olivia, what starting armor does Fighters, Paladins and Lancer get?"
[Gambeson.]
"Figures."
I thought about things for a bit.
With Paladin I could start with the ability to wear better armor and get ranged spells with an upgrade. But who knows when that would come?
With Spell Blade I'd start with more flexible abilities and get to wear the better armor with an upgrade. But who knows when that would come?
I crossed my arms as I tapped my foot. "Olivia, what utility spells can Spell Blade and Paladin use?"
[Spell Blade can learn a variety of arcane utility spells like scrying, levitation and telekinesis.]
[Paladin does not have access to these spells and are limited to holy based healing, barrier and, if upgraded to Templar, offensive spells.]
My choice was made. I locked in Spell Blade. Part of me was tempted to change it, but I knew this was the better choice. Melee, magic and utility all in one meant I could fulfill any role; a Jack of All Trades.
But a Master of None. I knew I'd have to work at building myself right to face any challenge and play to any foe's weaknesses but my own weakness would be a lack of specialization and focus.
Could it come back to bite me later on? Sure. But any choice could do that, right?
Race was the next one to pick. For better or worse in games I usually went with human; that was just me. But then there was dragon borne. The additional stats were very attractive. The longer lifespan was also attractive. The minus reputation with... someone out there was worrying. I was wary of the severe minus reputation scale. Was it with the group I had to save the world from? Hard to say. If yes, chances are I'd be fighting them anyway. If no, chances were they were a group that I might end up facing anyway. I selected dragon borne; I thought it was the best choice I could make.
Besides, by the sounds of it I'd still look human.
Parentage took less time to consider then any of the other choices; Local Lord. Despite one of the traits being a pain in the ass the rest was quite good, and starting at a higher social rank could benefit me in the long run. The starting XP bonus was nice too, and the extra trait point per level. Also, who doesn't want to live in a castle or the like?
That left Background. That was a bit more difficult to pick for me. Apprentice, Squire and Enchanter where my main choices. Each had something that I could use, and was tempting to pick.
Prostitute and Slave Hunter weren't even worth considering.
Getting Imbue or Far Sight was tempting. As was The Muscle Wizard trait. "Olivia, if I picked something else would I be able to get Imbue, Far Sight or the Muscle Wizard traits elsewhere?"
[Far Sight can be learned as a normal, arcane spell. Muscle Wizard can be purchased as a trait after character selection. Imbue requires training with an experienced Enchanter to learn.]
I nodded and decided to pick Enchanter then. With the four biggest choices made I looked to what was left, Deed, Free Trait and Talent.
Free Trait was next then.
What annoyed me about the selection for Free Trait was aside from the 'Do You Feel Lucky?' trait all of them had some sexual bent. I knew I was entering a sexual world, but I still needed to worry about, you know, dying.
Again.
Gawk-Her was tempting if only to avoid the chance for being slapped via anime logic or something, but I looked at two others; Sex is Power and The Power of Love. Both turned getting laid into getting more power. After a long moment I just picked The Power of Love and hoped for the best. After all, it was clear this world was so sexually charged my chances for getting laid were kinda high.
I chose Musician as my talent; not sure how'd it work, but seemed a fun way to pass the time without video games.
Deed didn't do anything directly for me, but looking over that list I knew what I'd pick from the start; Slave Rescue. Slavery sucked, and no reason not to piss off slavers a little. I wondered who exactly I gained reputation with, but as it stood even if it gave me a name I'd be scratching my head. When I moved to lock it in, however, there were two more slots to fill. I blinked for a moment then remembered that Dragon Borne, for some reason, had two more deeds allowed for it.
"Huh."
I wasn't sure what to pick at first, but the next one I did was Slayer of Goblins; after all leaving someone to fend for themselves in that situation was kinda bad. The last one I picked was Little Girl Saved. The logic of that last one being that all the 'question marked' names would be main characters, for lack of a better term, and would be alive no matter what. The little girl in question might not be otherwise. The over all reputation gain with local guards was nice, but once more I had no idea who the people in these deeds were.
Finally done I locked in my last selection.
(-)
Race: Dragon Borne
Class: Spell Blade
Parentage: Local Lord
Background: Enchanter
Deed: Slave Rescue - Slayer of Goblins - Little Girl Saved
Talent: Musician
Free Trait: The Power of Love
World Status: Ecchi World
Random Trait: Chick Magnet
(-)
"Yeah, that's how it looks, huh?" I sighed and rubbed the back of my head. After a moment a couple new things came up.
(-)
Additional Selections
Dragon Borne - Parentage: [Select]
House Selection: [Select]
(-)
Right. The dragon borne parentage thing. I started with that. Looking over the selection I shrugged and chose human.
What was cool was on the side as I looked over each of the race options you saw a shadowed couple of that race holding a baby with a large dragon standing behind them.
Part of me thought it was weird I wasn't freaking about about that, but I knew freaking out wouldn't help things. Still, locked in Human as my choice. Then I moved to the House Selection.
The window showed three shields with emblems on them and a map with smaller versions of the shields on them.
The first shield was Red with an orange edge that had a pair of spikes strutting up from the bottom, and two at the top pointing inwards. A yellow sun logo was on it with the head and mane of an orange lion from the side in the center of it. On the map it was set slightly northeast of a castle listed as 'Feoh'.
The second was blue one with a gold edge with three points at the top. Three gold and white, eight pointed stars were at the top and one near the bottom. Between them was a pure white unicorn rising up on it's hind legs with a light gray outline, sky blue eyes and a golden horn. It's spot on the map was slightly east of 'Ur'.
The last was a green one with dark orange trim, two half circle cut outs at the top sides of the shield. At the bottom was three arrows crossed over each other, aiming straight up, up and left and up and right. A yellow Celtic pattern outlined in gold was around an orange ring with a fox's head on it, purple filling the ring under the head. On the map this one was set southwest of 'Geofu', to the east and south of what seemed to be a river.
I paid attention to the information that was on the window next.
(-)
[House Selection]
As the son of a Baron you are young lord. Which House and Family Name will you take on?
[House Leosol]
Barony: Arafe
Kingdom: Feoh
Father: Arthur – Knight
Mother: Glenda – Noblewoman
Perk: Access to Advanced Training Yard
Your father is Arthur Leosol, Baron of Arafe. He grew up under an overly stern and demanding father as he trained to become a knight. During the conflict with Garan he distinguished himself with courage under fire; leading a counter-attack against an orc army lead by the dark elves to save a surrounded force from Ken. He has a hatred for the dark elves that consistently burns in him.
Your mother was the daughter of a merchant of note, but Glenda was never accepted by her father-in-law. He was furious that his son would choose a commoner over a noble woman. While he'd go to his grave despising her she managed to charm other nobles and high born, leading her to be widely accepted.
Your father is a bit distant from you, afraid he'd be too stern and forceful with you like his own father was with him. However he does his best to be supportive when you do speak and interact. Your mother, therefore, handled most of your upbringing. She is very invested in your education and is more then eager to point you towards pretty girls; mostly those with 'birthing' hips.
Arafe is located on the Garanian boarder, meaning it is often on the front-lines to any conflict between The Legion and The Alliance. As such it's home to a powerful battalion of knights, blacksmiths and supportive forces. House Leosol calls the Barony of Arafe 'The Shield of Feoh' because of this. The house's animal is the proud lion and was said to be founded by the Hero Deborah the Daring; one of the Legendary Seven Shield Maidens.
[House Noxdecus]
Barony: Mungale
Kingdom: Ur
Father: Merlin – Wizard
Mother: Saxon – Lancer
Perk: Access to Advanced Spell Library
Your father, Merlin, was once an orphan who grew under under the watchful eyes of a local priest. When his talent for magic was found he was sent to a Magical Academy and, despite some bullying, graduated top of his class. He would go on to apprentice to the court mage of a duke. During a major battle with Garan he would use a combination of illusions, supportive spells and other tricks to get behind enemy lines to rescue a batch of captured females knights that were to be enslaved.
One of those was Saxon Noxdecus. A lancer of renown she took little time to be charmed by the, at the time, young and awkward mage and quickly moved to seduce him. Her father, a retired Summoner of no small skill, accepted him with open arms. Less then a year later they were wed, and Saxon passed the Barony to him.
Merlin is now a wise Wizard having lost much of his awkwardness and replaced it with an experienced calm. He's more then willing to support you, granting you his advice and finding tutors for subjects he is ill equipped to teach you. He is as hands on a parent as his title allows. Your mother, by contrast, is a stern woman who wishes you to know how to handle at least one weapon. She can be quite overprotective and any hint of a threat to you will send her running to your side. She also likes to boast about how many wives and concubines you'll earn.
Mungale is located behind the County of Elddale in Ur; far enough back to be unaffected by most of the conflict, but close enough to assist and render aid. It's often used as a safe mustering point for forces before moving towards Elddale and the Garan boarder beyond. Additionally Merlin had founded the Academy of the Stars, a magical institute built for the purposes of training the next generation of magic users from less well-to-do families. The House of Noxdecus has a long tradition of spell casters, claiming heritage with Annabelle of the Runes, one of the Legendary Seven Shield Maidens and a Rune Blade and the unicorn as the house animal.
[House Rexvenandi]
Barony: Harcal
Kingdom: Geofu
Father: Tristan – Sniper
Mother: Isabel – Bard
Perk: Access to Advanced Archery Range
Baron Tristan Rexvenandi is a famous hunter. His castle's trophy room is filled with stuffed heads, pelts and more of his various hunts. He boasts that he hit a bear in the eye at three hundred and fifty yards. The house of Rexvenandi is known for it's archers and hunters and he is a product of that, favoring a longbow. He is cocky and comes off as a bit arrogant, but is a man who wishes for the best for his people.
Isabel was his second cousin and also a trained archer, although she prefers the crossbow to a normal bow. Once caught in a siege while visiting a friend she manned a tower and fought with the soldiers. She earned the nickname 'Lady Bullseye' due to her accurate head shots on the invaders. That said she much prefers singing to fighting and loves to use the harp.
Tristan is a proud father and boasts about you each chance he can, clearly expecting you to do great things. In fact what he wants more then anything else is for you to surpass him in skill. That said his tendency to do this tends to colors other's perception of you until they meet you. Your calm and loving mother can make him tone it down, somewhat, and is more easy going about you and your life. All she wants is for you to be able to play music so she can do duets with you; and make sure you have a way to woo women.
Geofu's's position near to the center of Eostia makes it a natural target, but Harcal is the southern most facing territory of the kingdom. Being away from the front lines means a much more peaceful life for them then others. Still, the House of Rexvenadi will back up their allies in a war, sending forth their legions of archers, often defended by good soldiers, to assist in any conflict. Their house emblem is the cunning fox and was said to be founded by the Ranger of the Legendary Seven Shield Maidens, Sheila the Huntress of the Wilds.
(-)
"Shield Maidens, huh?" I let off. They must have been a big deal. Of course I also noted something else.
Arthur? Merlin? Tristan? Was this a reference or coincidence? I didn't know.
I disregarded Rexvenandi off hand. Aside from sounding hard to pronounce an archery range did me little good. The training yard of Leosol was a nice idea but it was the spell library that really caught my eye. That would give me access to a wider variety of spells and information, I was sure. Which meant more that I could do down the line. I smiled and locked it in.
(-)
Race: Dragon Borne
Class: Spell Blade
Parentage: Local Lord
Background: Enchanter
Deed: Slave Rescue - Slayer of Goblins - Little Girl Saved
Talent: Musician
Free Trait: The Power of Love
World Status: Ecchi World
Random Trait: Chick Magnet
Dragon Borne - Parentage: Human
House Selection: Noxdecus
[Proceed to Physical Customization?]
[⸜∕ Yes]-[X No]
(-)
I pressed yes as the window swapped. On one side was a male avatar like in an MMO. He was turning slowly in place as a series of options appeared on the other side.
(-)
[Physical Customization]
It is time to select your physical appearance! Please, take your time and create your new you!
Height: [Select: Limitations of 5'5" to 6'8"]
Body Type: [Select]
Face Structure: [Select]
Hair Style: [Select]
Hair Color: [Select]
Skin Tone: [Select]
Eye Color: [Select: Limited by Dragon Borne Selection]
Scars: [Select]
Tattoos: [Select]
Cock Dimensions: [Select]
Age Selection: [Select: 18 to 21]
Select Gear Appearance: [Select: Gear Based on Previous Selections]
Select Underwear: [Select]
Select Jewelry: [Select]
Add Emblem/Logo: [Select]
Select Name: [Select First Name] Noxdecus
(-)
I was surprised I got to pick a cock size. I shouldn't have been given everything else, but I was.
I started down the list of options. I decided something close to my old body... But better.
I mean who wouldn't do that?
I picked 6'2 as my height. Taller then I was before, but not by a huge amount; I didn't want to be that guy banging his head on door frames. Body type was a trim build, a swimmer's body. I tweaked the face a bit, making it what I'd call boyishly handsome. Hair was short but with feathered points framing the face.
Hair color was a nice, chestnut brown which seemed richer then my old hair. Skin tone was Caucasian, normal color; neither overly fair or tan. Then I moved to pick eye color and blinked.
This was... Not what I had expected. Not that I knew what to expect, mind you.
The iris of the eye, in my experience, tended to be a color with lines pointing to the pupil. The window showed a zoomed in image of an eye and... That wasn't this. Rather then lines it looked like the iris has a diamond scale pattern going from the pupil outwards, like it was the body of a fish or lizard. It was unusual and just a bit off putting. Huh.
The other odd thing was the color selection. Given the anime hair colors I was not surprised that the eye color selection matched; every color you could think of... but there was one thing I couldn't help but note; the colors were all neon.
Neon yellow, neon pink, neon blue, neon green, neon purple and neon orange. There also seemed to be a glow to it? It was hard to tell...
Not my favorite color palette, but I could handle it. I noted the pupil also seemed a bit off, like there was a slightly darker slit in the middle of it, but I could barely make it out. I chose the sky, neon blue. I always wanted blue eyes as opposed to my old, brown eyes. Moving on I chose no scars or tattoos. The cock was sized well; the default was eight inches long.
After a moment I upped it to ten inches. Because who wouldn't?
Any bigger seemed like it would be ridiculous. I was going into a porno world, not an actual porno. On that note, I picked eighteen as my new 'age'. Figured why not.
I ended up moving onto the gear. I was able to pick the looks and if I started with Gambeson or a Mage Robe. Since magic classes had innate magical resistance I went with the gambeson. The default color was blue and I left it as such despite the option to color it; I liked blue. I did shift it to a nicer looking one; one with diamond shaped stitches, four straps at the front closing it, extra padding on the shoulders and a single, a half cape dropping down from the left shoulder. I colored the back of the cape of it black and the inside red. I got the suit's trim colored gold. The pants were less thick and I colored them black with gold stripes up the sides, knee high brown boots and matching, long gloves.
I swapped through rapiers next. None were overly fancy, but I settled on one; a simple blade with three D-guards, one in the middle and one thirty degrees off to either side of the middle one. The pommel was tear shaped with the point downwards; the point was blunted clearly.
I was allowed a secondary weapon and picked the parrying dagger; a long, thin dagger with two prongs on either side. It looked like a Japanese sai, but the side prongs curved inwards on the dagger and not outwards like the sai. I made sure the wrap on both weapons were blue and moved on.
I wasn't sure why I could pick my underwear. I suppose I should be glad I didn't end up going commando right away. Black boxers and matching undershirt for that. I selecting nothing for Jewelry, not needing pierced ears. I decided to add the Noxdecus shield onto the back of the half cape for Logos and left it at that.
I looked over the image once it was done. A nice looking lad was there clad in a blue outfit and rapier at hand. As I turned the image about I brushed something and the image extended his left hand and held a fireball in it.
It was surreal that I could do this at all. I entered my old first name and locked in my choice.
(-)
Race: Dragon Borne
Class: Spell Blade
Parentage: Local Lord
Background: Enchanter
Deed: Slave Rescue - Slayer of Goblins - Little Girl Saved
Talent: Musician
Free Trait: The Power of Love
World Status: Ecchi World
Random Trait: Chick Magnet
Dragon Borne - Parentage: Human
House Selection: Noxdecus
Physical Customization: Complete
Name: James Noxdecus
[Finish Character Creation and Enter Eostia?]
[⸜∕ Yes]-[X No]
(-)
I sighed. Here we go...
I pushed Yes.
Everything went black and then...
I got a view of a wide dirt road that ran between various trees of some kinda forest and... In the corner of my view was the silhouette of a curvy woman doing some sort of belly dance over the trees like it was a screen saver of some kind...
"Are you shitting me?"
I saw a small bar moving from the left to right of my view near the bottom of what I could see. I was in a loading screen.
Fuck.
In the middle of my frustration I then felt something... Odd... It was like a warm syrup being poured directly onto my brain; I couldn't explain it better. It was a weird feeling and it unsettled me until I felt it...
Memories... New memories settling into my mind. Of a new home...
New parents...
New friends...
It was weird and I finally started to panic a bit but could do nothing about what was going on, making me panic a bit worse. I did my best to get control over myself but it was hard. I was starting to hyperventilate at that moment.
Now was the time that everything hit me fully.
I was dead. Killed by an asshole over a girl.
I was being shunted into a new world. My old friends, my parents, my family... I'll never see them again...
I could only morn for my old life as I dealt with a full blown panic attack.
[-]
"I still don't get it." Carlongera said as he watched on, Benterra still munching on his Doritos. "You're smiling like he changed everything, but all he did was use a character creation tool. That's nothing special."
"Normally, yes." Anncastel said giggling softly. "But one choice he made changed everything."
"I don't get it..." The God of Messages let off as Benterra spoke up.
"It's like this; the Kuroinu Cluster has a problem; the Core Layer doesn't extend very far." He said, waving his hand at the well. It changed from the image of the soul in transfer and to the whole of the Kuroino Cluster. The marbles representing the worlds were not even a quarter inch in size but they could see each and every one of them clearly; a perk of the gods. The image expanded into a twelve foot wide circle. "Here's the Core World..." One world in the center turned dark green. "And here's the Core Layer." He added as eighty one other worlds around the first turned lime green.
"What? That's unusual!" Carlongera let off as he stepped closer. The Core World was the world at the center of the cluster; the one the rest of the worlds in the cluster were based off of. A 'canon' world one could say. The Core Layer was comprised of worlds very close to being like the Core World, but with small differences. Things could become quite different down the line but at the start they were all similar, identical even. The Core Layer was also large, maybe forty to fifty percent of the worlds in a cluster were part of the Core Layer. In a cluster with over eight thousand worlds this core layer wasn't even a full percent of the full cluster.
Looking at the Core World an image was shown of an older, scantly clad female knight with brown hair in a bun supporting another scantly clad, blonde knight with long hair with both smiling. Behind them Celestine was rising a hand in victory for her troops as a large, dark haired man was led away in chains. 'So...' Carlongera thought as he watched on. 'They won in the core worlds...'
"The reason is when the cluster was forming we got this." Annacatel said, waving her hand at the screen, a world highlighting. If the Core Layer was a golf ball in size then the world highlighted in a dark red was an inch away to the upper left of the edge of it. "An Aberrant Core."
"Well shit. That close to the Main Core? That explains a lot." Other worlds started to be colored in cherry red and spread out, covering thousands of worlds, Carlongera's eyes widening as he realized that more and more worlds were being colored. Soon a little over eighty percent of the worlds were red. "My word!"
An Aberrant Core was a very, very rare occurrence. One in a hundred clusters, perhaps. All but one he'd seen before had been at a cluster's edge. For the most part each and every one turned the worlds effected into darker versions of the core. The one time an Aberrant Core was close to the Main Core that he'd seen was in the Warhammer Cluster. The Aberrant Core had taken over most of the cluster and was, for a long time, mistaken as the Main Core. It's layer filled over half the cluster.
"Yup. And worse Aberrant Core is spreading it's World Laws about. And it's a hard lean." Benterra added, huffing. Carlongera could only grit his teeth. That made things worse.
World Laws were a strange effect that was applied to individuals worlds. It could spread across a cluster partially or fully and was often decided by the Core World. It could be as simple as favoring moral, upstanding heroes winning over conquerors and villains, or enforcing a state of war or peace on a world. It could make for worlds of sluts or prudes, or a world of faith or without. Each Law varied on power and effect. In a realm of enforced war things could vary between constant, almost unending war or periods of war separated by brief, uneasy peaces. On the lighter ends peace could be enforced by the people of the world, but it would still be difficult and times of strife would come. Of course the opposite was true as well; a World Law that enforced peace lead to long stretches of peace with a few, rare and often light wars.
Of course most of the World Laws throughout the clusters were tame, so such things were more determined by the people on that world then the World Laws; World Laws merely pushed things in a direction. But a world with a hard leaning law?
It was like resisting a tsunami...
"Which is why this world has a fighting chance." One of the red worlds turned yellow; down and to the left of the two cores; about six inches from both on the image. "Because thanks to this little RPG-X3 system the World Law for this one just changed."
"WHAT!?" Carlongera let off, turning to her and pointing a finger directly at her face. To her credit she never flinched. "Do you know what that can do to a world!? If you change a World Law too much you can cause it to break! The chaos that would spread as the laws of reality itself warps would cause untold damage! There is a reason all are forbidden from altering them!" He let off at her face. Older then the other two gods present (Combined) he knew what became of worlds with a shattered World Law. One god had the fine idea of turning a World Law set to a hard lean towards small, blue beings being smarter then everything else towards elves being smarter then everything else. The World Law snapped and the whole world...
He hated to think about it. It still gave him the shivers.
"It's a risk, but we're not interested in inverting or forcing the laws to the other end. The Laws can be changed, but gently." Anncastel said, gently pushing his hand to the side. Benterra spoke up next.
"This was a sliding World Law; hard lean towards female heroes thousands of years ago, but slowly sliding downwards. At this section of the world's history it's about half a century after the drop went from favoring females to males, but the Aberrant Core's influence is making the men lean more towards dark, lustful and dominating desires. And since it's a hard lean, well, you can figure out the rest." He munched on a Dorito, shaking a finger in the air as a way to ask for a moment as he chewed. Carlongera glared, but had to acknowledge his point. Men, under such a World Law, would start to lean to such depravity, and those who didn't would be ineffective compared to their aggressive counterparts. Benterra spoke up once more after he swallowed. "As you can guess, saving the cluster with that coming down on the worlds would make it impossible, so we had to reassert a tamer law. But you are wrong about one thing."
"What do you mean?" Carlongera let off, crossing his arms firmly with a frown as Benterra smirked like the cat that ate the canary.
Or the Goddess of Cats eating the Goddess of Canaries. Yes, that happened.
"All, are not forbidden from altering World Laws; just we Gods." The god of Gaming said. "Mortals can alter them, or at least they're not forbidden from it. Of course even the most technologically or magically advanced cultures don't know World Laws exists, and those few that do know don't understand how to operate them. It's like leaving a four year old with a tactical nuke, but no means of activating it or launching it. The destruction that could be caused from a kid firing off something like that is horrifying, to be sure, but so unlikely in that case that it's perfectly safe. Mortals aren't forbidden from changing World Laws because under most circumstances they just can't... Unless they have a tool of some kind to do so given to them."
"The RPG-X3 Gamer System..." Carlongera let off, his eyes widening as Anncastel nodded and smiled to him.
"The Ecchi World option. It's the default of the Core World, and while the Aberrant Core is the one with the most influence here, the Main Core still has some. Particularly on a world that close to it. It slightly favors women, and a lustful tone so we can bend the World Laws closer to that. Mind, in this case it no longer favors women but equality of the sexes, but it's the best we could do; a little further can be done but I don't want to risk it. And despite being a Goddess of Women, I'm not for female superority." Said said looking to the image of the cluster. Soon a blue ring started to form of worlds, skimming the edge of the Core Layer and circling around the Aberrant Core. Soon the red worlds tuirned blue, leaving the second core alone in the center. "The aim is to alter the Laws of the worlds around the Aberrant Core, weaken it's influence by asserting the Main Core's Laws onto it and then alter the Aberrant Core's World Laws to be more like the Main Core's. Once that happens saving the rest of the cluster can be saved with relative ease."
"So... You've won already then?" Carlongera let off. He was still annoyed with the situation, but he had to admit they used a clever loophole. He was amazed, really. "You've changed the world laws, just like that?"
"No." Benterra spoke up as he shook his head. "We made some minor tests, asking other Gods dropping in Gamers into other worlds to make sure the Gamers could alter the World Laws a tad." He set his now empty bag aside, standing up and crossing his arms. "We learned that if the Gamer dies then the World Laws will snap back to what they were before he or she was dropped in. The new laws need to exists for at least a decade to normalize things."
"Meaning that he must survive the trials to come." Anncastel said, swapping the view to her chosen Gamer. "But that one choice will give this world something it wouldn't have otherwise; a fighting chance."
[-]
By the time the loading bar was close to filling I'd calmed down, for the most part. While I was still very upset I had accepted that I could do nothing about that for that now. Rather I decided to move on.
I just hoped those I left behind could move on as well...
Finally the bar filled and vanished with the silhouette of the dancing woman, following by the camera zoomed downwards. A wagon filled with barrels was on the road, driven by a nice looking man with a beard in a fine looking green outfit; not overly fancy but presentable. Sitting on a barrel, feet on the backrest of the wagon was...
My new body, looking out into the forest in the outfit I picked out. Then that voice from the intro spoke up once more.
"A lapse in the war with Garan has allowed a respite for the people of Eostia. With soldiers home with family and resting for the next conflict people seek to spur on their fortune. One young man has joined a Guild for Adventurers, taking his first job; an escort for a brewer of fine ales."
The camera shifted behind the carriage moving towards my... body slowly before arching up slightly, showing off a city on the horizon. "Now on his way home he can only imagine the trials and tribulations to come..."
Tell me what I don't know...
Soon a title appeared over the city in the distance, words in gold reminding me of how much of a video game I was really in...
Eostia: Harem Quest
A moment later the title shifted and new words popped up.
Prologue: A Hero's First Steps
Wow. So, I'm in tutorial land, huh?
Finally the camera moved down to the back of my head and the view I had flashed and finally...
Finally I was in control of my body.
I jerked in place, glancing about for a moment. I could feel the air on my face, the leather of my gloves... Lifting my hand up I turned it over then clenched it, feeling how surreal it was.
Surreal... That was a word I used a lot here...
Over the course of the loading screen I absorbed all the memories of, well, my... character? Me of this world? Whatever, I gained eighteen years of memories in a little over an hour. I imagined it was done so slowly as to avoid a mental spike of pain. Whatever, probably for the best.
I did a quick overview of my 'life' up until now.
Born to Merlin and Saxon Noxdecus I grew up learning to use a weapon under my mother and spells under my father. As I turned twelve I was sent to the boarder county of Elddale to learn under an Enchanter, and I seem to know how to make basic enchantments. Nice!
Elddale, however, seemed to have a slave trade. Less nice. I'd need to pull up more info on it later, but it was common along the boarder it seemed, and a lot of inner provinces was opposed to it as was Celestine, the Queen of all Eostia. I apparently never liked the slave pens and those who held others there.
Glad to know the me of this world has morals.
Of course I picked the Slave Rescue Deed, so after I turned thirteen I hatched a plan to break some slaves out; mostly dark elves but a pair of halflings too. Yeesh, asshole slavers. I snuck in during the night before I was to head home, knocking out two guards and using a lock-picking spell I learned for that operation. Then I snuck them over the wall of the place they were kept in.
The dark elves I took out to the woods to a raft I had made, letting them use it to escape. One of the females, a blonde haired one, seemed to go tsundere on me; insulting the 'human' over and over while her comrades were more respectful given I just broke them out. They thanked me and took off on the raft northwards.
Save blondie, who told me not to expect gratitude for her. And kept looking at me until the raft went past the bend in the river. Yeesh.
The halflings I had hide for a bit then brought them to my carriage. It was the one my mother had made for me when she accepted I was going to be gone for schooling and wanted me to ride in comfort. There was some storage space under the benches. Too small for a human...
But not too small for a halfling. I had one hide under each bench and while I was sure it was uncomfortable as fuck I got them out and into my home barony of Mungale. Arriving in a town I brought them out and made sure they were fine. I gave each a bit of gold to help them get home. The male accepted with gratitude. The female of the pair, however, gave the male her gold and asked to serve my house.
I apparently said sure. And my personal maid is a halfling girl, it seems. That looks like she's twelve.
Hooboy.
At age fifteen I was in Ur's Capital with my father on a diplomatic trip. During a break I walked towards the woods. I'd been told there was a nice path and I needed a bit of peace. I was assured that it was a secure place...
Only to find a pink haired girl in the middle of being assaulted by goblins, with half her dress torn apart. By my memory's accounts I'd charged in, drawn a weapon and stabbed the biggest, nastiest looking of the bunch before they knew I was there and the rest turned tail and fled... and I was then introduced to Prim Fiorire, daughter of Grand Duke of the Kingdom Ur, aka the girl I just saved.
TL;DR, I saved a pink haired princess from goblin rape. The Slayer of Goblins deed then.
Wait... I only killed one goblin, why is it in plural? Whatever. I guess she was the girl I got a reputation gain with then? I recall she was by my side for the rest of my stay and I became a close friend with her. When she became one of Celestine's Seven Shield Princesses she was overjoyed when she told me. She would also introduce me to her cousin, Alicia. Although I mistook them as sisters, given how they acted.
So the Little Girl Saved deed came on another trip, this one to Geofu at age sixteen. A man's horses got spooked by two men getting into a brawl and one decided to use a fireball which sent them running and him off the carriage. Then again a fireball would spook anyone, so I couldn't blame them. By my memory's accounts I made a diving save when a seven year old girl froze upon seeing two, scared beasts pulling a wagon along at high speed right at her. We both avoided injury and I managed to catch some woman in... Skimpy armor (Because of course that's what she wore) leap from a running start onto the carriage and forced the horses to stop before they caused any more havoc.
The woman, Claudia Levantine she called herself, was joined by a man with a small mustache, Klaus. Her husband I learned. Once we were all assured the girl was alright and Klaus gave her a once over the girl was passed back to a relieved mother. Once I introduced myself to the couple and they realized who my father was I was invited over for a meal and the couple would spend some time with me during my stay with Claudia getting all motherly on me.
And not too long ago, by what I knew, I wanted to do more then mooch off the parents and joined the Adventuring Guild to earn my own keep and get some experience under my belt. And given what system I was working with, I'd need XP by the truck load.
That led me to this job; a basic escort job. This man, Adrian Hopper, was a brewer who operated from the Mungale barony, but also had one in the Cameron barony, west of the Ur Duchy. He normally had others deliver for him, but he found it a good idea to head out on his own now and then to meet his suppliers and see what the brewers in Cameron were up to. He moved to one place, picked up hops and yeast, moved to the Cameron brewery to both deliver and check up and brought back ale to both compare to his Mungale brewery and sell in general. It had been a boring journey for the most part.
I'd been hired as a guard; an armed man would deter most people from trying to accost him. A Spell Blade was a good choice; being able to attack in melee and with magic meant flexibility as a merc.
Something flashed before me, as if it were on a screen I was looking at.
[Current Quest: Escort the Brewer]
[Current Objective: Protect the Brewer and his Cargo]
"Excited to be heading home I bet?" The man said, making me jump. I'd gotten so lost in thought, sorting memories and seeing my current quest that I forgot he wasn't just a random NPC.
"Ah, yeah. I can use a nap in my own bed, ya know?" I replied, smiling as he looked up to me, turning on the road as it winded.
"We all could, M'lord." He chuckled, smiling before looking ahead. "Whoa!" He called out, stopping the horses. Blinking I looked ahead.
"Weird..." I said, standing up fully. Memories coming to me I recalled this path of the region; we were on the crest of a hill with a slow drop and some hundred feet ahead was a bridge; a sturdy stone one built over a river. Built some two hundred years ago and sturdy as all hell; coated in moss on the sides here and there but otherwise well kept.
And on it was pieces of a broken wagon. No blood or bodies that I could see. No sign of cargo. Just a broken wagon.
I frowned and hopped off the wagon. "I'm going to go have a closer look. Follow me but keep some distance." I told Adrian. He nodded as I walked forwards. Once I was ahead of him a bit he guided his horses forwards, maintaining a distance. I drew my sword, eyeing the wagon. "What is going on here?" I asked... Then a loud crash sounded behind us. I jumped and Adrian struggled to control the horses as I saw what made the noise; a thick log had fallen over the path behind us. "Ambush!" Somehow I was reacting as if I'd been trained my whole life for this!
...Well, I kinda was...
Absorbing near two decades worth of memories was weird man.
Two red figures emerged from the woods behind us; shorter then me. Four and a half feet I think. Looking back to the wagon a batch of six more came out. Crossing the bridge further down was maybe another ten. All of them armed with some kind of weapon; mostly clubs. "Goblins!" Adrian cried out.
Yup. Why they were red and not green I didn't know, nor cared. I was in the middle of my first fight!
I'd only been here for like five minutes!
The two goblins behind us charged first but one tripped on something, tumbling to the ground. His partner didn't notice and charged quickly and moved to engage me and then...
The world stopped moving. Huh?
A window popped up before me.
[Welcome to the Combat Tutorial! It's time to learn how battle works in your new world!]
I have never been happier to see a forced tutorial in my life.
….
Both my lives.
[Look at the closest goblin and use the Basic Skill: Observe. You can use skills via thought commands.]
Okay then... I focused on the goblin and thought hard to Olivia.
[Observe.]
(-)
Name: Unknown Goblin Grunt
Title: Red Fang Grunt
Class: Wildman
Level: 1
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 12
Status: Healthy, Gleeful
Known Traits
[?]
[?]
A basic goblin foot solider, goblins are one of the most common forms of Aberrant in the Legion. While smaller then humans they're almost as strong. Grappling with them is ill advised. Vicious and without mercy they will use numbers and rush tactics to overwhelm enemies, rarely fighting one to one. Those who do are powerful leaders that inspire courage in their underlings... And fear if they fall.
No female goblins have ever been observed, but they can breed with almost any female thing to produce offspring.
(-)
No women here, just ale. Then again, based on what I knew, these bastards were more then happy to steal food, weapons, drink and whatever else there was from whoever they could.
[As you can see you get information on the target. How much information depends on a few factors; mostly your level compared to the target and if the target is Hostile, Neutral or Friendly. This basic information can give you an idea of the capabilities of a foe.]
[Fair warning; traits of Hostile targets are difficult to uncover even with a much higher level. Now, to begin a proper fight.]
[Combat Art Learned: Piercing Strike]
[Piercing Strike is a basic Combat Art that let's you dash in and thrust your rapier at a target. You can use it via mental commands. Now, defeat the first goblin in melee.]
[New Objective: Defeat the First Goblin in Melee Combat]
The goblin started to move once more, slowly at first as things unpaused. Soon he was rushing as I saluted at him with my blade stepping back as if I'd done this time and time before. [Piercing Strike.]
I lowered my blade and more or less leaped horizontally at the goblin slamming my sword through it's chest to the hilt, the beastling gawking as it died almost on impact as the second behind him screeched having gotten back up. I stepped back, sliding the blade out, the other goblins behind me shrieking in outrage as everything slowed to a pause once more as the first goblin's body dropped to the ground.
[(⸜∕ )Defeat the First Goblin in Melee Combat]
[You've slain a goblin! Congratulations! Now, for the next one. The second goblin is identical to the first in terms of status, so you can skip using Observe. Instead let's use some magic!]
[Magic Spell Learned: Magic Missile]
[Magic Missile is a basic, arcane type spell. With practice you can make the bolt change directions and turn in mid-air. Defeat the second goblin with Magic Missile!]
[New Objective: Defeat the Second Goblin with Magic Missile]
Simple enough. Slowly time resumed. And once more I found myself knowing what to do, eerily enough. [Magic Missile!] I drew magic into my hand, as if I've done it for years and sent a silver blast of energy at the goblin. It didn't even dodge, gawking as it was struck in the face, blood flying off of it as a chunk of skull and an eye flew off of it.
Ewwww...
The goblin fell to the ground, dead as a door nail.
[(⸜∕)Defeat the Second Goblin with Magic Missile]
I turned and moved ahead of the wagon, Adrian trying to not panic as the first batch of the rest of goblins charged at us. Sure, I got the first two easy enough... But one by one.
Not six at a time! Then time slowed to a stop once more.
Oh fuck yeah, thank you forced tutorial for not killing me yet!
[As you may have guessed fighting one goblin is quite easy for you at this point. Six, however, will not be now that they have seen what you can do. If you want to survive this group then it's time to use an Area of Effect attack!]
[Magic Spell Leaned: Scatter Bolt]
[Scatter Bolt sends multiple smaller, unguided Magic Missiles at an area. With practice and effort you can guide them towards multiple targets, but for now just target the area the goblins are at.]
[New Objective: Defeat the Pack of Goblins with Scatter Bolt]
Things sped up once more and I wasted no time. [Scatter Bolt!] It was kinda fun, drawing magic into my left hand, silver light filling it before blasting towards the goblins. A dozen missiles blasted off at the goblins as they shrieked and tried to dodge. My eyes widened and I tried to will the bolts to spread out... And they did! Smashing into them each goblin was struck by at least one bolt. Two of them were hit in the chest, killed right away. One in the neck, blasting it's head off. One in the gut and arm making it fall and cry in agony as it's guts spilled out and a piece of a bicep came off. It didn't die, but it was clear the wounds were mortal. The last two took hits in the legs, one on the thigh and taking a chunk out of it, the other blasting it apart at the other knee.
Yeah, they weren't getting up.
[(⸜∕)Defeat the Pack of Goblins with Scatter Bolt]
That left the pack of ten now climbing over the broken wagon. They didn't rush me though; after having their numbers cut almost in half they must have been uneasy about coming at me. I drew magic to my hand, pointing my sword to them, getting ready.
"Fools! Fools! All of you are fools!" A voice cried out as something smashed the already broken wagon and sent it over the edge of the bridge, splashing into the river. It was a new goblin, bigger then the rest at maybe five feet or so. He was built much better with visible muscles. "All fools! It's one human! You can't kill one damned human!?"
[Observe.] I felt worried. This goblin...
Yeah, he was gonna be different...
(-)
Name: Blood Maker
Title: Champion of the Red Fang Tribe
Class: Wildman
Level: 4
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 4
Status: Healthy, Upset
Known Traits
[Goblin Avenger] Gain 1 End for every goblin corpse nearby
[?]
[?]
The Red Fang Tribe is a group of independent goblins, not part of the Legion in the north. Operating as bandits and raiders they plunder villages and rape what women they can. Blood Maker's older brother, Blood Drinker, led them deep into Ur and came close to claiming a princess of the realm with his cock. Blood Drinker was about to insert himself when a human Spell Blade suddenly appeared and slew him in a single blow. The rest ran as their leader fell, but Blood Maker never forgot and trained until he surpassed his brother in power.
Now he's an avenger of all the goblins of his tribe and seeks revenge on his brother's killer!
(-)
LEVEL FOUR!? That's a bit of a jump. Wait, hold on a second...
[Olivia, what level am I?]
[You are currently Level One.]
… Oh fuck me. Could this get any wor-wait.
His brother was killed just before he violated a princess?
In one blow?
By a Spell Blade?
In Ur?
"YOU!?" The new goblin let off, pointing at me with his saber, gritting his teeth. "I know you! YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!"
It got worse.
"Well your brother was an asshole!" I called back.
Snappy comeback, James. Snappy comeback.
The goblin bellowed out in rage as I got very worried about what was to come. "All of you stand back. He's mine..."
For some reason my view shifted and almost disoriented me until I got a close up of him swinging his blade twice before panning back as he pointed it forwards. The saber in his hand was heavily chipped along the edge but still looked sharp. Finally I heard...
Wait...
Is that boss music I'm hearing!?
_Champion of the Red Fang Tribe_
Blood Maker
Fuck, he got a gold colored title card and everything. Guess this is a boss battle then...
The game slowed to a pause once more.
[This is it. You're about to engage in your first, major battle. Use what you've learned to defeat him!]
[Magic Spell Learned: Minor Heal]
[Minor Heal is a holy healing spell that will allow you to heal some physical damage if it comes to it. Use it if you need to patch your self up. Give it your all!]
[New Objective: Defeat Blood Maker]
[Bonus Objective: Kill Blood Maker]
Great. All I have to do is kill a boss three levels higher while only level one...
This'll be easy...
That was sarcasm, by the way.
The pause started to end and I reacted quickly, using a Scatter Bolt, sending the cluster of missiles at him. Blood Maker sneered at me and at the last moment jumped over the attack, letting all the bolts smack into the ground. Damn it.
I could feel like something... Drained in me with the magic attacks, mana I had guessed, so fired a less straining Magic Missile out at him and he just swatted it aside with his sword. Double damn it.
As he came close to me I thrust forwards with my rapier and he parried. He then swung at me next with the blade which I deflected. We started fighting, me trying to stab him, him trying to slash me. Old practice from my first life and memories from this one had me fencing this monster like a pro, but he matched me move for move and, to be frank, I was the one slowly retreating from his onslaught. I yelped and stepped back further from one of his slashes; his blade nicked me in the leg and I felt the skin get sliced. It was just a flesh wound but it was still first blood, and it went to him.
Hopping back I got a bit desperate and used Piercing Strike. I aimed my blade and thrust forwards...
And grazed his temple as he leaned away. Crap! He then slashed at my open side as I passed him, pain flaring in my ribs from the impact, but the gambeson did it's job and kept the blade from cutting my skin.
The chips of the blade caught on the fibers in my gambeson armor and his sword got slightly stuck, he couldn't pull it back right away so I punched him in the face with the rapier's D-guard; he was too close to stab at him so I went with what I could do.
In hindsight I should have slammed the point of my pommel into his skull...
Blood Maker grunted with the impact and I punched him a second time. Finally he ripped the sword away making my next punch whiff. I swung the sword's blade at him and gave him a shallow cut on his nose before stepping back. He didn't seem bothered by the cut; if anything he tanked the hits better then I had taken the one on my side. I set my free hand to my side and cast Minor Heal which made the pain vanish, but it was clear how dangerous this guy was. He charged next and as we fought a second time as he forced us to lock swords. I was being pushed back, grunting with the effort of holding him off. Blood Maker chuckled and sneered as he leaned in. "I've waited so long for this..." He growled out. "So long for this moment..."
I recalled I had a second weapon though. My left hand drew my parrying dagger and swung it at the side of his head and...
Blood Maker's off hand caught mine at the wrist.
"James!" Adrian let off as we were awkwardly locked, blade to blade. I was being forced back by the stronger goblin, that much was clear as the other goblins cheered on their boss. Finally I had an idea come to me, one that came to me in desperation. I started to channel a Magic Missile...
I couldn't use my right hand for it; I'd have to drop my weapon and that would leave me open to attack.
I couldn't use my left hand; I'd have to drop the dagger and I was sure he was waiting for it and had a response.
So I lifted my right foot as I let him push me back, set it to his gut and channeled the spell through the bottom of my foot. I had no idea if someone could do it, but it was worth a shot.
Low and behold, just as I was shoved back and to the ground a silver explosion hit him in the gut from the bottom of my heel, knocking the wind from his lungs as he gasped out, weapon slipping from his grasp, my wrist let go as he clutched at his injured gut; I hurt him but I saw no blood. Tough bastard. I landed on my back and rolled over my shoulder to my knee, looking him in the eye as his widened.
[Piercing Strike!]
I dashed in and he tried to lean his head away but I expected it this time and adjusted. The tip struck him in the eye and the rest of the blade followed to the hilt, the tip of my sword exploding out the back of his head. "Was the wait worth it?" I managed to ask just before the light faded from his other eye.
The boss music shifted into something triumphant as I withdrew my sword. My view shifted to a cinematic view of Blood Maker stumbling back on his feet before collapsing. As he fell the other goblins came into view as they stopped cheering. They stared for a long moment before shrieking and turning to run.
Some ran in one direction, some another, some jumped off the bridge and into the river. All of them fled, save one who paused. "You'll rue the day you fought the Red Fang!" He shrieked out before turning and fleeing. Finally a Final Fantasy style victory theme sounded as the view shifted back to my normal vision. Sighing I sheathed my weapons and sighed in relief.
[(⸜∕)Defeat Blood Maker]
[(⸜∕)Kill Blood Maker]
I turned to face Adrian and smiled waving to him. He waved back and guided his horses forwards, pulling up next to me. "You're worth your pay and more, lad! Get on! I've a mind to make distance before some other beastie comes to find us!"
"You don't have to ask me twice!" I replied, climbing up next to him before he send the horses and wagon barreling down over the bridge, newly cleared by my foe. Soon we were on our way and I was calming down something else came into my view.
[(⸜∕)Protect the Brewer and his Cargo]
[Quest Complete: Escort the Brewer]
[Gain 300 XP]
I blinked. Well, I guess no more trouble until we get there, huh?
[Defeated List]
8 Goblin Grunts x 50XP=400XP
Blood Maker=100XP x 1.25 Kill Bonus=125XP
Gain 525XP Total
Level Up!
You are now Level 2!
+1 to Dex, Acc, Mnc, Agi & Mag!
+2 RSP & SSP!
+5 UTP!
Achievement Unlocked: Make Blood
Defeated Blood Maker
Achievement Unlocked: Didn't See That Coming
Used magic in a very unexpected way
Title Unlocked: Young Blood
You survived your first fight!
+1 to all Damage
[-]
"That was more then I was expecting so early..." Anncastel let off, frowning softly.
"He came through just fine." Benterra replied, looking at the screen as the wagon moved towards the edges of the city. "But yeah, maybe we're too close to the Aberrant Core? Or just unlucky." He suggested, stroking his chin. "We've already rolled our dice, we're limited in what we can do for now."
The three gods overlooked the scene from Anncastel's temple, Carlongera sighing as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well in the end he survived. And maybe it's for the best he had a tougher fight this early on." The other two turned to look at him. "It could be a wake up call; something to urge him into taking things seriously. After all, he's now had a taste of how easily things can go wrong." He explained, crossing his arms over his chest
"Yeah, that goblin was a bit of a Wake-Up-Call Boss, huh?" Benterra let off, sitting down on a bench and staring half at the screen of the wagon and their Gamer and half at Anncastel's full ass. "Sometimes you need that; a realization you just can't get by with one tactic or plan. But still, in first major fight?"
"Life can be harsh." Carlongera said with a shrug.
"I know, I know, but still..."
"Faith." Anncastel cut Benterra off, leaning forwards to set her hands on the well's edge (To Benterra's delight as her curvy ass pushed out towards him) as she looked up to the screen. "We must have faith."
Benterra nodded at her while noting Anncastel's dress lacked pantylines...
[ - Author's Note - ]
I checked the word count and winced. That was much, much longer then I thought it would be. Well, that's how it can be, I guess.
Let me know how the fight went. I wanted the first bit of it to be easy, confidence building stuff and then have reality drop in via Blood Maker. I hope it came off as enough of a struggle; I still need to get used to writing fights. I really hope it came out well.
Next one will be the last of the Prologue Chapters and, with luck, it'll come out well.
Oh, and next time should include... The sexual tutorial.
Until then...
~~Eostian Scribe