Hello anyone interested, I'm releasing chapter 2 now, huzzah. Also editing chap 1 slightly. Again some feed-back would be real great, I'm a little worried about my pacing and some input would be great.
A very merry christmas to you all for tomorrow.
Yours, Mogdogolog!
Chapter 2: Rabbits of
Caerbannog
Divus and his new allies turned off the road and headed
down a far less well maintained track towards a small forest. Numerous parties
of other adventurers were entering before them or sat nearby, apparently taking
a rest. A few odd shaped stone statues stood upright along the path and around
the forest. They really didn’t seem natural. Though roughly humanoid, they
lacked any distinct features or body-parts. Even as vague as they were though,
there was a sense that each was somehow unique. Finally curiosity won out of
his inherent social ineptitude.
“W-what
are those statues all about the place?” Divus asked.
“Ah
that’s what happens when you log out.” Dash called back, “You just turn into
stone until you log back in. It’s a bit weird but at least they’re pretty much
indestructible.”
He
turned back to quietly pondering to himself. What would happen if they were
destroyed? Would a new Divus figurine appear back at a shrine? Maybe they had
infinite health… How do the NPCs react to them? Wait, thinking of NPCs…
“W-why
don’t you just level up through NPC quests?” he innocently inquired.
An
embarrassed silence spread through the group. Eventually it was Trevor who
answered. “We don’t know how.”
“Whenever
we ask them about getting a quest they just look at us funny, and talking
normally to them just ends with gossip about the weather…” Dash added, this
time without turning around.
Sensing
the discontent Divus resolved to not ask any more questions. They continued in
silence until the trees began to loom above them. Although not a particularly
deep or thick wood it was big enough for hundreds of adventurers to run around
without constantly getting in each other’s way.
“Here
we are, ok let’s get organised guys!” Dash declared, his cheerful enthusiasm
returning to his voice. The rest of the party drew their knives and crept into
the woods leaving Divus to quickly follow suit. Even with Dash’s injected
optimism the group had taken a dour air.
“Ok
we’re looking for rabbits; you guys see a wolf we run, you guys see a fox we
run. Got it?”
“We
know.” Beauty complained.
“Newbie
doesn’t.” Trevor countered, “What about rats?”
“…We
can take them” Dash decided after a pause. Not sure why they were so tense
about rats and foxes Divus decided to just follow their lead and keep low.
“Listen
up Newbie, combat in New World is nothing like any game you’ve ever played;
even the rabbits won’t go down easy. It might be because we’re low levelled but
they’re tough to kill and fast little buggers. We need to co-ordinate our
attacks, ok?”
With
no other option he just nodded, the dead serious atmosphere stealing his words.
They might be low levels, and New World was a completely new style of game, but
a single rabbit couldn’t cause that much damage surely?
Seeing
his confusion, Dash grinned a little. “Yeah, sounds a bit silly right? Tell you
what; I think there’s one up ahead. You take the lead and experience it
yourself. That’ll be the best lesson.”
“Hey
Da-“ Trevor tried to cut in, but Dash held up his hand.
“There
it is, you sneak up on it, we’ll surround it. OK?” Without waiting for a
response beauty and he crept off. Trevor paused briefly before heading in a
different direction.
Abruptly
left on his own Divus had no choice but to advance on the rabbit. It was just a
little bunny, he told himself, there was nothing to fear. A small, white ball
of fluff appeared up ahead. It seemed to be munching away at a carrot, though
where it had procured the vegetable was anyone’s guess. There was absolutely
nothing to be afraid of. Telling himself that one last time he tightened his
grip on his knife and made his move.
Careful
to make as little noise as possible Divus swung his weapon at the bunny. Yet it
easily hopped to the side.
Attack missed.
A
message appeared at the top of his vision. The rabbit was now stood staring
him, as if to mock his pathetic strike. Annoyed, Divus launched another cut
towards the furry fiend. But this time not only did it dodge; it leapt head
first into his knee.
Attack missed.
Rabbit had dealt 12 damage.
Pain
blossomed where the rabbit had struck. Real pain. Letting out a pathetic yelp
Divus fell over onto his backside while wildly striking out in the general
direction of the bunny.
“Let’s
go!” Came a shout from the trees.
It
took a moment for Divus’ panicked mind to realise that it was the rest of his
party dashing to his aid. They all appeared from different directions and
rushed towards their tiny foe. It would have been the heroic scene of a daring
rescue, if they were not facing off against a bunny. Being attacked suddenly
from three directions was too much for it and under the flurry of blows it
rapidly lost health. Another message appeared as they final slew the creature.
Rabbit killed, 1
experience has been shared amongst the party.
|
Having
just recovered his composure at his rescue Divus’ face paled once more at the
screen before him. “That bunny was just one experience point?!”
“No
it was five, just shared between all of us.” Dash explained, “Oh yeah, sorry
about not telling you about the pain, I was worried you’d chicken out! It’s
much less than in real life but it still stings don’t it?”
Although
slightly annoyed, he decided to let it go. Without these party members he’d of
probably died in his first fight. Instead he felt a bit invigorated. The shut
in Nevil hadn’t had this much excitement for years. The adrenaline buzz still
lingered, pumping him with energy. Now was not the time to be annoyed with team
mates, now was time for vengeance!
“Let’s
find more varmints!”
Taken
slightly aback by this change in attitude Dash and the others could do nothing
but follow as he led them onwards.
When
the found their second rabbit it was agreed they’d use the same formation as
before. Divus snuck towards the rabbit to keep its attention while the others
spread out to surround it. This time however, he was determined to land at
least one hit on it. He was aiming for the strongest in the game. No, he had to
become the strongest in the game! No mere bunny would get in the way of that!
This
time he carefully watched the rabbit as he launched his strike. As it jumped to
the right Divus tried to twist his arm to follow it but his reflexes were much
too dull and it easily dodged again and launched its own attack. He’d thought
himself ready for it this time, but when the rabbit struck his legs he
unwillingly recoiled in pain. At this point his allies rushed in to kill it,
giving the same result as the last time.
The
bunny had barely fallen before Divus dragged the party to the next one. When
the third time ended in much the same way Dash called for a halt.
“Come
on, let’s take a break. We’re probably all getting hungry.”
Hunting
rabbits in such a careful way had proved to be more tiring and time consuming
then he’d of ever imagined so he stifled his complaints.
Trevor
patted Divus on the shoulder and took a seat on a nearby rock, while Beauty and
Dash sat on a tree trunk opposite. Small loaves of bread were produced from
there pouches, reminding Divus that he’d also built up an appetite. Eagerly
opening his own small bag he pulled out a piece of bread and began to chew into
it. Amazingly enough it really did taste like bread, he had to silently marvel
to himself about just how impressive this game was once more.
The
party relaxed and began to chat about this and that; it quickly became apparent
that Beauty and Dash knew each other in real life, though they’d met Trevor
when they first logged on. They were all uni students, studying various
subjects. None of them were hugely studious, so they had no problems missing a
lecture or two to play this hyped up new game.
“Where
are you studying Trev?” Beauty asked, using a lazy nickname of her own design.
“Exeter,
you guys?”
“Ooo
a red brick! We both go to Bristol, inseparable me and Dash are.”
“What
do you do Divus?” Dash asked
“I-“
Play video games, was a bit pathetic wasn’t it? But what else could he say? “I
was living off playing Neverwhere.”
Trevor
raised an eyebrow, “Really? I’ve heard that’s really hard to do. You need to
find lots of rare items for them to sell.”
“What
was your character called? Anyone we’d know?” Excitement filled Beauty’s voice
at the slight possibility that they might be talking to someone vaguely famous.
“Devil.”
The
others were silent for a second, and then Dash and Beauty started to burst out
laughing.
“You
got me there Divus! I thought you might have been serious!”
He
was about to angrily retort but stopped himself. He was well aware of the
enigmatic flair people associated with Devil, a pasty 20 year old claiming to
be that near legendary figure would seem like a joke. He didn’t need them to
believe him anyway.
Swallowing
the last of his bread he stood and faced the others“Let’s get back to catching
rabbits!”
***
The party killed another two rabbits with their strategy,
but Divus had yet to land a blow as the bait. He had briefly considered asking
to swap out with someone, but that would be admitting defeat! He stoically
continued to tank for the team while failing to strike the enemy.
As
they approached the sixth rabbit morale was pretty high, while it was slow
progress they were confident that it would be easier when they levelled up.
Dash, who had been dealing the most blows, had even created the knife mastery
skill. While still at level 1 Novice, it boosted his attack by 10%, and as he
improved it that bonus would increase. Divus could only look on in jealousy.
Though he still suffered stinging blows he could not allow himself to change
his role till he landed a hit.
This
time he would definitely do some damage! As the bunny came into sight he
launched himself with as much force as he could muster in an attempt to take it
by surprise. Predictably the bunny saw him coming and hopped away. Divus span
round to chase after it, only to see it disappear down a hole. He angrily
stamped to where it vanished as his team mates appeared.
“This
is new; did it run away from me?” Dash asked
Trevor
snorted and took a look down the burrow. “Do you think it’ll come back out?”
“Excuse
me,” Divus said, pushing past Trevor. He then shoved his entire arm down to try
and reach after it.
The
rest of the team were still a bit put off at the 180 in his personality when it
came to hunting so just quietly watched him. After a few seconds of rooting
around he yelped and fell over backwards as he hurriedly withdrew his arm.
“Are
you OK?”
“The
bugger just bit me!!”
The
party turned to stare at the hole. Suddenly the rabbit reappeared, strutting
arrogantly to the entrance. Divus was just about to lunge at it when something
else came up behind it. Another rabbit exited, sneering alongside the first. Then
another joined, and another, and another. Soon over a dozen bunnies were
staring angrily at the intruders in their territory. The two sides stared off
for what seemed like ages, adorable little black eyes glaring with venomous
wrath. It was Dash who acted first. He decisively and heroically took charge of
the situation.
“RUN!”
They
all fled, running as fast as they could to escape. The small horde of cute
little bunny rabbits were in hot pursuit. Rushing through the woods was harder
than they expected, the party would have to keep their eyes on the ground so
they didn’t trip on roots, while looking ahead to avoid the trees. The rabbits
didn’t have to worry so much and were rapidly gaining ground.
It
was Divus who slipped up in the end, in spectacular fashion no less. His foot
got entangled in some weeds and he was launched face first into a nearby tree.
Tree has dealt 23 damage.
The
abrupt end to his flight left him sprawled on the ground. Trevor tried to turn
to help, but it was much too late. The bunnies swarmed atop of him, biting and
kicking all over. The head-butts he’d suffered earlier had been affectionate
greetings compared to the agony he was now subjected to, you try being ripped
apart by blunt bunny teeth. He could not help but let out a scream as he
futilely tried to throw his tormentors off him. The only small mercy was that
it was brief.
Rabbit has dealt 17 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 23 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 27 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 26 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 30 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 22 damage.
Rabbit has dealt 34 damage.
His vision turned black and
the forest disappeared.
You have died.
Level has
decreased by 1, random skill mastery has decreased by 1.
As no re-spawn
point is set you will revive at Richmond
|
The
darkness gave way to light, surrounding him on all sides. When the light
vanished Divus found himself back in Richmond city centre. A few people in the
same leather garments as himself spared him a pitying glance before returning
to their own business.
Divus
slunk towards an alley where he rested against a wall. The excitement and
adrenaline of the hunt had dissipated leaving only an annoyed feeling in the
pit of his stomach. Killed by rabbits! He had started his new legend of
greatness by dying to the most harmless rodent in existence! He drove his fist
into the wall beside him and let out a growl.
“Wow
do you seem angry.” Someone spoke from nearby. Divus jumped a good 2 feet into
the air as he span around towards the stranger.
“S-sorry,
I didn’t realise anyone was there.” He stuttered.
The
stranger stood up and turned to face Divus in turn. It was a middle aged man,
he had a weathered, handsome face, scraggly beard and an open smile. “I did nae
expect the man who’d vent his wroth so aggressively against that wall to answer
me so politely!” He laughed with a slight northern accent, “What’s eating ya lad,
to get someone so well-mannered so riled up?”
“…I
was killed by rabbits…” Divus quietly confessed.
“Rabbits?”
The man looked at him seriously for a moment, then audibly choked back another
laugh. “Wait what do you mean killed, you look fine? Ah, you’re one of ‘em
foreigners ain’t ya?”
Foreigner?
It was then that Divus realised he was talking to an NPC. He talked and
responded so naturally that he’d only just noticed.
“Y-yeah, that’s right. I’m
Divus, n-nice to meet you.” He said, his mind racing back to the terrifying
merchant from before
“Divus
eh? The name’s Peter. So tell me how you got killed by rabbits? I just so
happen to be a… seasoned hunter, I can offer some pointers” he suggested,
bringing a hand to stroke is stubbly chin.
This
might just be a good opportunity, the others had mentioned they hadn’t been
able to get a quest from NPCs earlier, but maybe he could learn a skill… Divus
began to describe his short adventure, explaining his difficulties hitting the
rabbits and the tragic end when happening upon a burrow full of them.
Peter
stroked his chin thoughtfully throughout, occasionally nodding as if
understanding something new. When Divus had finished his tale he declared
jovially, “I see, so you’re a complete novice then!” And proceeded to laugh
heartily.
Divus
winced but could not refute him. While he could be considered a pro at video
games his recent experiences had proven quite emphatically that New World was a
whole new kettle of fish.
Peter
than gave him a mighty clap on the back, rocking him forwards. “No worries lad!
Everyone starts off somewhere! I can sort that out for ya if you want!”
Having
steadied himself against the wall Divus turned around with a new hope in his
eyes. “Really? But I’m a stranger, and I’ve no money to pay you…”
“Don’t
sweat the small stuff! I’m stuck in this town for another week at least so I
needed something to pass the time!”
So he
was an interesting way to for Peter to amuse himself? Wait do NPCs even get
bored? Oh well, if he’s helping me for free I won’t complain.
“So
what will you teach me? A new attack? Or basic mastery of a weapon?”
“No
no no,” Peter laughed, “I’m going to teach you how to fight!”
***
They walked swiftly through the city, Divus soon finding
himself lost in the myriad of streets and alleys they passed through. As they
went through another market place Peter stopped now and then to greet a trader
or traveller he knew. Eventually a pattern appeared within his seemingly random
acquaintances. Not once did he stop by a normal stall or shop, the only goods
his friends seemed to sell were far more exotic. There was a dealer of rare and
dangerous monster parts, available as trophies or use in advanced potions.
Another man sold expensive pieces of enchanted equipment, Peter had poked his
head into the well furbished store. The only merchant who dealt with normal
wares was the head of a huge trade guild at the centre of Albions economy, or
so Divus would learn at a later date. What he did remember was the man
disappearing into a huge and ornate building after his brief exchange with
Peter.
Not
only did he know various traders, Divus was quite surprised when they were
stopped by a small group of soldiers.
“Ho
there, if it isn’t Peter! I didn’t realise you were still here!” Exclaimed the
leader of the troop, distinguishable by his plumed helm.
“Well
met Captain, how goes the watch?” Peter replied in a familiar tone.
“Very
well, though a huge influx of foreigners seems to have occurred they’re no
trouble. The great forest is all quiet as well, thanks to yourself.”
“No,
I was just doing my job. You lads are the ones that have to keep it that way!”
“You
are too humble, your people are invaluable to the land. I shan’t keep you any
longer, but thank you once again for your great service.” The rest of the
patrol nodded from behind.
“Shucks
fellas, well if you have a free night then you can buy me drink!” Peter
suggested, then broke into a hearty laugh as they parted.
“That
was Guard Captain Donavan. Good lad he is, if still a little wet.” He confided
in Divus after they gained a little distance.
As
they slowly eventually approached their destination the questions piled up.
Even those Peter didn’t greet himself seemed to recognise and respect him.
Although he seemed a well-known and popular figure in Richmond, it didn’t seem
like he was a local. Even so, officers in the city’s guard were indebted to
him. Just who had Divus unwittingly gained as a teacher?
The
streets began to get less populated and poorly maintained as they walked, proud
wooden and stone houses slowly giving way to what was barely better than a
collection of shacks. As the quality of the buildings deteriorated Peter
finally stopped before an ancient, rotting warehouse. He pushed open the battered
door and strode to the centre of the decrepit storeroom. Turning to face Divus
he immediately launched into his lecture, leaving no time for him to gather his
bearings.
“Right!
Let’s just get started! The reason you couldn’t hit your target is simple, you
just blindly swung at it. Hunting’s no game lad; you can’t expect to stand
still trading blows against a monster. Just as you react to him, he’ll react to
you. Against a fast moving opponent that’ll never work unless you’re far
quicker! And even against slow opponents it’s the most inefficient way of
attacking! What all warriors and hunters must learn is how to read your foe!”
Peter’s
booming voice echoed throughout the empty storeroom. Divus was unsure as to why
he needed to be so loud…
“Now
I’ll level with you laddy, others can teach you what you need to know to fight
rabbits and their training will be miles easier. Because I’m not just going to
teach you how to fight, I’ll be teaching you how to dominate. But be very
aware, this nae be easy. I shall be pushing ye to ya limits, and beyond, jus’
so you can kill a bunny.”
Unknown
to Peter, this was exactly what Divus wanted. If he was being offered to learn
far beyond just the basics then he’d readily agree. He had to become the
strongest; nothing would stop him from reaching that goal. Turning his lips
into a fierce grimace he stared resolutely ahead, there was no way he’d be
quitting here.
With
a satisfied nod Peter brought out a large gem and muttered some words into it.
A green glow spread out from the stone and a shape began to materialize in the
centre of the warehouse. In a matter of seconds a demonic beast was brought
into existence; thick threads of saliva hung from wickedly pointed teeth and
ferocious yellow eyes latched onto Divus. All of a sudden the option of
quitting didn’t seem so unacceptable. Being bitten by those rotted fangs would
be incomparable to the nibbling to death he’d received earlier.
“The
goal is simple, kill this beast. When you’re wounded I’ll heal you. You have as
long as it takes.”
There was no need to go
through that, surely? Yes there was. He needed to succeed in the New World no
matter what, for the sake of his sister. After so many years as a recluse,
getting a normal job was impossible, and it sure wouldn’t be enough to send his
sister to university. He needed to become the strongest. There was no other path
left for Nevil Thompson to take.
“If
ya wanna flee, then now’s the time lad!”
The Hellhound
rushed towards him.
***
Peter had noticed the change in the boy’s eyes as soon as
he’d gripped the knife. What could possibly drive such an innocent looking
youth forward into the maw of a beast so inexorably? The truth be told, Peter
had expected the boy to turn tail as soon as the Hellhound took shape. That he
was forced to wait in this town and was looking to relieve his boredom was true,
but he’d had no intention of actually training Divus. It was meant to be a
rather cruel joke to kill a few minutes, then he’d take him to some other
trainer to learn the basics. Yet now Peter watched an amateur face off against
a monster he stood no chance in beating.
To
make matters worse he was now completely unable to stop them. Though
reluctantly, Peter had to recognise the young warrior’s spirit. To stop now
would be an insult. And so he found himself doing what he’d deceitfully
promised.
Divus
struck again, completely missing the hound and taking a vicious clawing in
return. He let out a short scream, cutting it off by clenching his teeth tight.
A ball of light struck him and the wound knitted neatly back together.
“You’re
striking blindly! You swipe at where you see your foe mindlessly. You’re not
playing a game boy! The enemy does not
want to be hit! Watch him, follow his every motion, learn to read where he’ll
move and strike there!” Peter bellowed from the side.
And
so the lesson began.
***
The deaths of Nevil’s parents had broken him. After they
had died in a car accident when he was 15 Nevil had fled from the world. He
stopped attending school, or even going outside, eventually just holing himself
up in his room. Both his he and his sister had been taken in by their uncle,
but he was never around due to work so other family members tried to assist the
siblings. He couldn’t take Clair’s accusatory stares when he exited his room,
and eventually stopped going out altogether. While they’d initially been
understanding, the various extended family began to give up and left him alone,
which suited Nevil just fine.
Confined
alone in his room, eventually Nevil started playing online games. Whether he
was looking for companionship in the virtual world or whether it was just
another way to pass the time, even Nevil couldn’t say. But he never even talked
to his team-mates. When he found Neverwhere he quickly became hooked. He’d
sometimes go days without sleep and before he’d realised it himself he reached
the top of the game. As strangers began to tell tales of his virtual adventures
something was rekindled in Nevil.
For the first time in years
people were praising him. Though they never said it out loud, he knew everyone
blamed him for the accident, after all he blamed himself. But online nobody
did, nobody even knew who he was and now they even celebrated his achievements.
So he set about cementing his role at the top. He actively took on the famous
dungeons and bosses. After a while he even began to talk with other players on
rare occasions.
It
was during one of these conversations that he heard about selling items online.
When he began to participate in the auctions, sometimes selling for hundreds of
pounds, he truly began to feel as if he’d achieved something. He felt that maybe his sister could be a
little less ashamed. Maybe he wasn’t so worthless.
Around this time the uncle he
was staying with began to get into some financial trouble. He took on loans to
stay afloat. Unable to handle the repayments and interest eventually he skipped
town, saddling Nevil and his sister with the debt. This wasn’t a tragedy
however, this was a chance. A family meeting was held to decide what could be
done for the siblings, but unexpected by all Nevil appeared and said he’d take
care of everything. At 18 he was legally an adult, so he could take in Clair.
Without a stable income, though, it was a pipe dream. However when Nevil showed
them the money he was making online everyone dropped all their complaints and
quickly consented.
He realised they just wanted
someone to take care of it who was not themselves, but that was just fine with
him. Nevil could finally support his sister himself, he could lose himself in
the world of Neverwhere, he could be more than a simple screw up. However the
only way to achieve these goals was to never lose his position at the top. To
always be the best. You could say that this became his reason to carry on.
***
“He’s too quick for you too dodge! Absorb the blow, move
back as he drives forward!” Yelled Peter.
It
had been a few hours since they began, but Peter had yet to call a break and
Divus had yet to ask for one. The wolf struck again and, following his teachers
instructions, he rocked his body back in time with the claws.
Hellhound has dealt 118 damage
While the timing was imperfect
and the motions amateurish the scratch was noticeably lighter than before, he
was almost at the point where he could survive 2 hits in a row. There was no
time to idly marvel at the worlds physics engine, but it was truly wondrous
that such details could be factored in. Divus struck back in retaliation,
scratching the hide of the Hellhound who’d unbalanced itself with its lunge.
Numerous other nicks and cuts had appeared on the beast as the training progressed,
a testimony to Divus’ advancing skill.
The
hound leapt back and began circling the young fighter. It had grown
increasingly wary of Divus as it began losing stamina in the prolonged duel.
They each stared keenly, waiting for any sudden openings, the Hellhound looking
for any weakness in his guard while he kept his gaze locked on the wolf’s eyes.
That was one of the first things he’d learnt, the eyes were almost always the
precursor to an attack.
“If
your foe shows no openings to you, then you show an opening to him!” Peter
shouted, “In your current state you can aim for a counter!”
As
they’d progressed Peter had been calling out many different strategies for Divus
to try, they’d then continue until he’d succeeded in carrying it out once and
then try a new one. Still, this next move was risky. If he mistimed his strike
then the Hellhound might well kill him outright with a critical hit. Holding
his knife ready Divus broke the stance he’d forcibly gained through the life or
death training.
Immediately
sensing an opening the Hellhound bounded towards him, this time coming with its
jaws agape. Just as it got within range Divus swung his blade at its head, but
only managed to graze its side. The hound ripped into his arm and he screamed
as he tried to shake it off.
Hellhound has dealt 197 damage.
Divus’
eyes widened as he finally shook the wolf off. That was only 3 health points
away from being insta-killed. A ball of healing energy hit him again as he
recovered his stance.
“You
idiot! Have you not learned anything?!” Peter cried, “You struck at where the
wolf had been, a counter is about knowing exactly where the enemy will attack!
Time it right!”
Due to receiving
constant life threatening attacks Endurance and Vitality have increased by 1.
|
The
message window that popped into being in front of him caused Divus to drop his
stance in surprise, which the wolf immediately tried to capitalise on. The
slashing claws snapped him immediately back into the battle and he rolled to
the side, barely avoiding the blow. So that was what it meant by in world
actions boosting your stats.
He
brought his mind back to fighting the Hellhound. As they resumed their staring
match Divus made another intentional slip. The hound leapt at him once more. Not yet. It reached out with wicked
teeth, its lips peeled back in a mad mockery of a smile. Not yet. It jumped into the air, claws and jaws outstretched,
determined to finish this troublesome human in one blow. Now. Its entire body in mid-air the beast was fully committed to
its head on attack. While it was still feet away from him Divus swung his knife
towards its face. The Hellhound saw the blade cutting through the air towards
it, but could no more dodge than a mound of dirt.
The
impact of the collision threw Divus off his feet, his back slamming into the
ground behind him as the Hellhound landed heavily atop of him.
You have countered the Hellhound for 560
damage.
Level up
Level up
Level up
Level up
Level up
You have
defeated a foe many times stronger than yourself in a prolonged battle;
Vitality has
increased by 2
Endurance has
increased by 5
Extra experience
has been gained
|
Level up
Level up
You have learnt
a new skill: Counter Attack
|
Divus
climbed sorely to his feet and grinned at the torrent of messages. Not only had
he learnt how to fight properly, he’d also gained a good number of stats and
levels, these few hours had certainly not been wasteful.
“Status
screen,” He said to himself, opening another blue window.
Name: Divus
|
Level: 8
|
Race: Human
|
Alignment: Neutral
|
|||||
Class: Undecided
|
Title: None
|
|||||||
Health: 610
|
Mana: 170
|
Fame: 0
|
Defence: 1
|
|||||
Stats
|
||||||||
Vitality: 13
|
Strength: 10
|
|||||||
Endurance: 16
|
Agility: 10
|
|||||||
Dexterity: 10
|
Intelligence: 10
|
|||||||
Wisdom: 10
|
Luck: 10
|
|||||||
Unspent stat points: 35
|
||||||||
Skills:
·
Counter attack (Special): Beginner Level 1
(0%)
|
||||||||
Status enhancements:
|
||||||||
The
boost in health was tremendous! He knew he’d risen 7 levels but his health
tripling was a lovely surprise.
“Very
well done lad, I’ve taught you well!” Peter boasted walking towards him. Divus
hurriedly closed the tab and turned to face his brief mentor.
“Thank
you very much sir,” He said without a stutter. After that lengthy fight his
nervousness had disappeared.
“Haha,
no not sir, just Pete is fine,” he coarsely laughed, “So what are you going to
do now lad? Back to hunting rabbits? Those will be small game for you now!”
“I
suppose so, maybe I can find out how to get a class, do you know where you can
get a class Peter- Pete?”
The
rugged older warrior stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment, as if
carefully considering his reply. “It varies on the profession you want, but
most people who are experienced in their craft can teach it to others.” He
paused, his eyes lighting up as if he’d just thought of something great. “I
could even teach you my profession if you want; I’ve been meaning to take on an
apprentice.”
“Really?
That would be great! What is your class?” Divus asked excitedly. Peter was an
obviously experienced combatant. Not only that but he seemed to be able to use
healing and summoning magic. If he was lucky Divus may have just stumbled onto
a rare class.
Chuckling
to himself once more, Peter gave him a scrutinizing gaze. “Let’s not get ahead
of ourselves here, my class is not something you can walk into. Also, it may
not be the path for you, other jobs will offer greater initial benefits, and
there are many areas you will not be able to master. The path to becoming
strong will be long and incredibly hard, but if it is sheer strength you seek,
there is no equal. Do you wish to continue?”
Swallowing
his saliva Divus managed a nod. Peter gave a satisfied nod and then continued.
“First of all you need to pass a test, a very difficult and time consuming
test. I suggest that you rest a while, take care of any business you may have.
Once you start you will not be able to stop until you succeed or you fail. I’ll
wait for you here until you return, unless you plan to take over a week I
shan’t be going anywhere else.” Without waiting for a response Peter turned to
sit against a wall.
Divus
decided to take a brief break from New World, he could log out, eat something
and get some sleep. Though a few hours in reality was almost a day here it
would not do to rush.
“Then
I’ll return later.” He said to his watching benefactor. Just as he was about to
log out Peter spoke again.
“Remember
lad, you’ll only get one chance at this.”
With
those ominous parting words Divus returned to reality.
***
Peter watched as Divus turned into the weird stone doll
form all foreigners seemed to take when they communed with their homeland and
gave a rare bitter smile. The others had been telling him he needed a protégé
for years now; their ranks had been thinned by far too much in recent years.
Still, he felt guilty. The boy was in for many hardships if he were to join
their ranks, he had not exaggerated the harshness of the path he’d offered. If
anything it would be even worse.
However
even with the constant strife his fellows waded through Peter couldn’t help but
think that maybe Divus could handle it better than any of his predecessors.
Although he’d been constantly healed and advised by Peter, there should have
been no way for Divus to come out on top of the Hellhound. The result had only
been achieved by ridiculous amounts of stubborn effort, innate talent and sheer
luck. His instincts were telling him this boy could handle anything thrown at
him.
That
is, if he passes the test. Many incredibly promising individuals had failed at
the last hurdle. Having faced the test himself Peter was aware that even the
seemingly indomitable young Divus could be crushed.
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