by Paul Bellow
Your slash EVISCERATES the Metal Construct for 129 damage.
Your slash DISEMBOWELS the Metal Construct for 121 damage.
My enchanted sword sliced through the creature’s metal body like a hot knife through butter. The metal construct reacted to our every move, countering it. My rage left too quickly. While I’d defeated most opponents before it wore off, this was different.
I felt like the entire audience cheered every time the metal monster got in a solid hit on me or Thero. Did they want us to die? Had they tired of us? Was it time for a new king of the hill in the Midgaard arena?
With no answers I could come up with, I kept fighting our fearless foe.
Once the wand of Golden Bolts ran out, the metal construct ejected it from its hand. Another wand, the wood newer, popped out to replace it. What now?
A cone of fire shot out of the wand, roasting Thero in his tin can. Most of the crowd stood to cheer as the metal construct continued its relentless playing with us. I stood near the high stone wall surrounding the arena, waiting for a good opportunity.
The metal construct chased Thero around in circles, roasting him every minute or so. If I wasn’t involved, the scene would’ve been a bit comical. As it stood, I needed to finish off the ultimate fighting machine or die trying. Was this a good time to die?
I charged the metal monstrosity when it turned its back to me. The stupid thing must’ve had eyes in the back of its head because right before I reached the living machine, it turned and swung its massive metal fist. As it hit me, the crowd went wild.
The metal construct MUTILATES you for 64 damage.
You have [340/138] health remaining.
All the extra health the Four Wizards had given me was running out. I needed to think of a better plan. With my rage counter still going, I couldn’t rely on brute force to win the day. The chances of not even surviving the battle were high, but I kept going.
Your slash DEVASTATES the Metal Construct for 42 damage.
“For the guild!” Thero shouted then crashed into the metal construct.
Both of them toppled to the ground. I backed up as the animated creature pointed its wand-hand at Thero. A brilliant cone of fire erupted. Thero screamed as the close flames melted his armor together. I stopped, wondering what to do to survive.
“Help!” Thero shouted. “I can’t breathe!”
The wand. Maybe if I break the wand off its hand, I can use it myself.
I sheathed my sword on my back then rushed forward. The metal construct continued wrestling with Thero, throwing up dust as they rolled around.
Before it could shoot the wand again, I yelled and dove into the muddle of metal bodies. Thero opened the visor on his helmet, displaying his crazed eyes.
“Get me out of here,” he said. “I’m begging you.”
He can take care of himself, I thought as I fought my way closer to the metal construct’s wand. When it finally came within my grasp, I gripped it tight.
A giant metal head turned to me as if sensing what I was about to do. I grabbed the wand with both hands and snapped it off. That was my first mistake.
In the instant I snapped the wooden wand, it exploded, sending us all flying.
The exploding wand MASSACRES you for 212 damage.
You have [128/138] health remaining.
Well, that didn’t work out as expected, I thought as I sat up in the sandy dirt, where I landed, to assess the situation. Thero lay on the ground, not moving, while the metal construct carefully got up on its feet.
After pulling my trusty bastard sword, I screamed and charged at the metal construct, concentrating on its left leg. My first strike hit with a clang.
Your slash MAIMS the Metal Construct for 51 damage.
While I wasn’t able to sever its leg completely, the creature began limping. The wand explosion must’ve done some major damage to him. I was surprised I hadn’t died.
The next few minutes went by quickly, each of us doing as much damage as possible. With the wand gone, the metal construct used the sword on its other arm to fight.
My health continued declining, but I also kept hitting the unnatural champion. The crowd roared louder than I had ever heard them before as I kept fighting to survive and win.
The metal construct DECIMATES you for 32 damage.
You have [12/138] health remaining.
Your slash MAIMS the Metal Construct for 57 damage.
The metal construct is dead!
Combat is Over!
You get 7,500 xp
Welcome to Level 7 Barbarian!
You have 25,100 xp
You need 8,900 xp for Level 8 Barbarian
Exhausted, I still managed to lift my sword over my head. The sun’s rays hit it, causing it to sparkle and gleam in the late afternoon. I soaked in all the adulation.
After a few minutes, I limped back to the ramp leading underneath the coliseum. On the way, I glanced over at the blackened armor completely covering Thero’s body.
How had he managed to get past the Warp Zone to the higher levels? Did seeing him mean that Monky was around somewhere? Would she help me escape the wizards?
All these questions and more flew around my mind at breathtaking speeds as I reached the earthen ramp leading down. I waved one more time before walking out of the arena.
Underground, the damp, cool air felt refreshing. A few of the other gladiators clapped as I shuffled by, dragging my left foot. I pursed my lips together as I walked past them.
Enjoying the victories would’ve been nicer if I wasn’t a prisoner. The Four Wizards had imprisoned me longer than I thought they would. It was time to escape. No matter what.
My evil owners rushed over to greet me as I stopped by a healing station. Thom smiled, his red afro waving gently as he nodded his head. Ever crusty Sherlock was smiling.
“Great job,” Ferris said. “We didn’t tell you about this because we didn’t want you freaking out about it. You did a stupendous job out there today.”
I sat down on the plain wooden chair as a healer walked over.
“Are you going to let me go?” I asked.
The Four Wizards laughed.
“Not quite,” Ferris said.
After the healer fixed my wounds with magic, the Four Wizards teleported me back to my cave. I had come to know each and every stone that made up the walls and floors.
“Can I have a buff tonight since I did so well?” I asked.
Thom shook his head and said, “Not advised, man. We’re already pushing it with you.”
“Yeah,” Sherlock added. “We don’t want to kill our property.”
I bit my tongue—literally—as the wizards laughed. They teleported away soon after, leaving me to myself once again. I sat down with my back against the wall.
As I stared at the stones across from me, I thought about Sarah. Had she only liked me for my physical traits? Or was there something more between us?
So many months apart was driving me even more insane. Would I ever see her again? Or would I be forever trapped by the Four Wizards in a strange city?
23
Call me Spartacus
Josh
Another month passed with me winning even more arena battles and racking up even more juicy experience points. I hit Level 8 Barbarian without any problems. While that felt nice for a minute or two, I hated being property of the Four Wizards.
Life—even trapped inside a prison-game—always ends up changing. My life as a gladiator changed one evening after a particularly gruesome fight in the arena. Instead of my usual cell, they teleported me to a barebones bedroom with a window.
I glanced out and saw the wondrous city of Midgaard below.
“This is your new room,” Ferris said. “You’ve been doing well.”
I turned and smiled despite not wanting to display my emotions.
“Thanks,” I muttered. “Are you freeing me?”
Sherlock snorted then said, “Of course not. If slavery is legal here, why w
ould we give up such a fine specimen like you? Don’t talk crazy.”
“How about a buff? Can I get a small one tonight? I’m hurting bad.”
“You’ll live,” Ferris said.
While true, I missed the absolute high after they beefed up my abilities and stats.
“Come on,” I begged. “You said I’m doing a good job.”
“Tell you what,” Ferris said. “If you agree to wear a binding collar, we’ll let you explore the city and have some fun.”
“Binding collar?” I asked.
Thom nodded excitedly and said, “It’s my own design. Works great.”
“What’s it do?” I turned to Aaron. “Will it hurt me?”
“Only if you try to escape,” Ferris said. “We’re giving you a ten-block section to explore. You can find anything you need or want. If you go outside the area, the collar will heat up.”
“The farther you go outside the limits we’ve set, the more you’ll burn,” Thom said.
I could tell by the expression on his face he was proud of his accomplishment.
“Great,” I said. “Anything’s better than how you guys have been treating me.”
“Keep earning our trust, and the sky’s the limit,” Ferris said.
“Screw the sky,” Thom said. “We’ll conquer that too and get off this rock.”
Ferris lifted his arm, and I saw the leather and metal collar.
“What about the one that’s healing me?” I asked.
“This will keep you alive, too,” Thom said. “I rolled both features into one.”
“Okay,” I said as I kneeled. “Put it on me.”
Aaron removed the previous metal collar and replaced it with the new one.
“That doesn’t feel as bad,” I said, running my fingers under it.
“Don’t make us regret this,” Sherlock said.
I stood then cracked my neck.
“What about gold?” I asked. “Can I have something to spend?”
“All in good time,” Ferris said. “We’re taking this slow.”
I had wanted to see if I could buy some magic somewhere to help with my latest comedown period, but even getting out for a while would be nice.
“Can I go now?” I asked.
The Four Wizards all stepped aside, waving me through to an open door. I cautiously stepped forward, waiting for them to hit me with a spell and laugh. When nothing happened, I kept walking. At the end of a wooden hallway, I found another door.
After opening it, I stepped out and took a deep breath. While it wasn’t complete freedom, the Four Wizards were beginning to trust me more. That could help.
I had given up dwelling on escape too much, but I still entertained thoughts of getting away. Slavery being legal wouldn’t make it easy. Anyone who turned me in would get a reward if I tried to get away. Even worse, I had no idea where to go.
The Four Wizards’ towers sat near the center of the city—prime real estate. When I stepped into the cobblestone street, people noticed me and pointed. I smiled as I walked through the crowds. Maybe my new life isn’t so bad after all, I thought.
After so many months inside the Tower of Gates, basically on my own, I found it somewhat terrifying to think my life wasn’t so terrible. The surreal nature of my captivity hit me as I kept walking down the middle of a wide street.
On the left and right, opulent buildings with ancient Roman architecture caught my eye. I didn’t have any gold or platinum to purchase anything, but I had never minded a little window shopping. The act of stopping to peek in a store’s front window reminded me of Sarah.
I sighed them continued my pointless journey through the city. About ten blocks away from their towers, the collar around my neck heated up. I stopped immediately then backed up until it returned to a normal temperature. So, this is my limit, the invisible fence.
After glancing around to burn the location into my memory, I turned and headed back to the wizards’ towers. On the way, I noticed a man sitting near the entrance of a shop. His dirty clothes and general appearance told me he was somehow out of place.
I slowed down and crossed the less busy street. Many of the restaurants up and down the street were full of people happily having their dinner. The man noticed me walking over and stood. I stopped a few feet away from him not because I was afraid but because of his odor.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“I’m sorry,” he said, bowing slightly. “I’ll be on my way.”
“You don’t have to leave on my account,” I said then chuckled.
Somehow, seeing the destitute man made my situation seem more tenable.
“The gladiators always want to beat me up,” he said in a soft voice.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“I have no name,” he replied. “I can’t remember it. This stupid game…”
His voice trailed off into a deep sigh.
“You’re a player?” I asked.
He nodded and said, “Yes. Unfortunately.”
“What’s the problem?” I glanced around. “Someone hurting you?”
“There’s an evil plan afoot,” he said.
I tilted my head back, examining him with narrowed eyes.
“Tell me more,” I said.
“It’s the Four Wizards,” he said. “They can’t be trusted.”
Tell me something I don’t know.
“What about them?” I asked.
The man frowned then looked from the left to right.
“It’s not safe here,” he said. “I need to get going again.”
“Where are you going? Do you have somewhere to say?”
“Are you a bleaking town crier, or what?” he snapped.
“I’m new here,” I said, not wanting to give out more information. “Can you tell me more about the city? What’s outside the walls? Anything?”
“You are new here, aren’t you?” He shook his head. “The wastelands cover everything between here and the next city-state. It’s the same everywhere. All of the city-states will fall.”
“City-states?” I tilted my head to the left.
The nameless man nodded.
“You’re not familiar with Midgaard?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “What can you tell me about the other city-states?”
“Can you buy a man dinner?” he asked.
“I’m a slave myself,” I said. “Out on good behavior.”
“Okay,” he said. “You need to leave this place. Be prepared to travel for a few weeks to reach Asangard, the closest city-state worth visiting.”
I needed to get a map as soon as possible.
“Go on,” I said.
“I should go,” the man said. “I’ve got a long journey ahead. Do you want to come with me?”
“Yes, I do, but I can’t.” I pointed to my collar. “Magic is restraining me.”
“That’s too bad,” he said. “Maybe we’ll meet again. What’s your name?”
“Yorg the barbarian,” I said. “You still won’t tell me your name?”
“I don’t remember my real name,” he said. “How long have you been in here?”
“Too long,” I said.
“Your memory will get worse,” he said. “Memories of the real-world will fade with time. Hang on to all of them while you still can. Cherish them.”
He babbled on another minute or so before excusing himself and leaving. I watched him walk away, gradually getting lost in the crowd of people coming out of the restaurants. With a lot on my mind, I headed back to the wizards’ towers.
A couple of blocks away from my destination, I once again saw Monky in the crowd. She looked different without her orange and robes, but I was sure it was her. I took off after her the moment I saw her. She noticed and ran away from me.
I resisted the urge to yell her name without knowing the details of why she or Thero had ended up on such a high level in the game. She dodged between people about half a block ahead of me, and my size slowed me down a
s I maneuvered through the crowd.
Before I could catch up to her, my neck got hotter. I went another couple of steps before the pain got too uncomfortable. After backing up, I stood on the tips of my toes and looked for her in the crowd. Nothing. She was gone. Why wouldn’t she at least talk to me?
I wandered back to the Four Wizards’ towers, determined to figure out a way to find her. She might have answers about how to get back to the lower levels to find Eric and Sarah. If nothing else, I wanted to tell her I was sorry for leaving her for the Four Wizards.
The Tower of Gates had a nasty way of making even small mistakes turn into larger ones. I sometimes felt like the game was actively working against me. When I eventually found Eric, I planned on smashing his face in and making him experience game-death.
He deserved so much worse.
24
The Four Deadly Sins
Josh
Over the next few days, I scoured the streets for any sign of Monky, hoping she would have a way to get me away from the Four Wizards and to find Sarah. After my initial sightings, I saw no sign of her anywhere in my allowable radius around the wizards’ connected towers.
After my daily fight one afternoon, I continued my search, hoping for a break. I leaned against a wooden pole holding up the porch of one of the buildings near the busiest intersection within my allowable range. All sorts of people walked up and down the cobblestone street.
Under any other circumstances, Midgaard would’ve been a very interesting place to live inside the game—even better it Sarah was with me. I pushed thoughts of her out of my mind as I scanned the crowd for Monky. Tommy Two-Toes strutted toward me instead.
“Not now,” I muttered under my breath as I stood up straight.
He approached quickly despite missing all but two of his toes. I heard he lost them not in the arena but through the upset boyfriend of a woman he was messing around with. Every other fighter hated the man. I avoided him as much as possible.
