by Scar, Rick
Stage I (Passive): + 2% XP for each enemy killed
Check your development tree for more abilities and skills. You will unlock new abilities with every 40 levels reached, becoming able to absorb the Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Intelligence of your victims. Learn more by unlocking the next character development stages.
Bonus Rewards:
Cloak: Vampire Wing
Rank: Unique
Level required: 75+
Characteristics:
+ 60 Defense
+ 10% In-battle regeneration;
+ 4% Chance to steal the enemy’s health when striking.
Skill: Night Shadow
Enables you to fly.
Duration: 10 s
Cooldown: 5 hours
Level Up
***
The other team members were awarded the title: Assistant Destroyer of Evil, and all received large amounts of XP.
“We’d better resurrect the others,” the tank said.
“Do it then.” Crimson Berserker waved him away, still reading the messages and wondering how much closer that brought him to White Raven.
Chapter 130. The Big Fat Cheque
D ays passed, one after another. Raven’s main problem was levelling up his relationship with the nation. He did not even know the next level’s name until unlocking it a week later.
Current attitude status:
Adamarona’s people 2/1600 — Worshipping
If you want to punish a player, make them level their reputation that high up. I can’t do that. I just can’t.
Up to that moment, he’d gained attitude points rather quickly, due to his At Home among Strangers title, his status of the princess’s fiancé, and his friendship with the guard captain. If not for those, even his nerves of steel would have been stretched to breaking point by this grind, and he’d probably have failed.
But now his bureaucratic quest was nearing completion. The Council of Six had accepted the elder’s confirmation without any questions and issued their own confirmation to Will.
Before meeting the noble families, Will had left the game for several days to study the history of English and French nobility during the late 18th century—when male aristocrats were no longer required to serve in the military.
Downloading a few brief guides on court etiquette, he realized it would be too complicated for him to remember and follow even a fifth of those rules. Resolving to just be himself without getting insolent, he was about to go back to the game when an email arrived:
Hi, Will Thomson,
As agreed before, I’m transferring to your account the money we’ve made from the videos. The sales went down a week ago, so we stopped there to add it all up.
I can’t pay you 50%—as I’m not the only one making such decisions. I’ve discussed it with others, and we’ve agreed to pay 20%. I hope you won’t bear a grudge against me.
All the future revenues from now on will be obtained by our clan. It would be ridiculous to keep sending you one dollar per day.
I still hope you will help us out with the other clans.
Mollie Houns, modest and beautiful
P.S. Your videos are really thrilling.
Will’s heart pounded. Money! At last! He’d been anxious that she might pay none, making a mental note to himself to ask her again in two months, but her message arrived before this deadline.
He knew 50% was too much to ask for, but he’d done that on purpose. If he’d demanded mere 10%, they could have taken him for a village fool, paying only 5%, or even less.
Will immediately contacted his bank and got a confirmation his account had received…
…$130,400.
He nearly dropped his phone upon hearing this amount.
Hey, Mollie? Sending a six-digit amount to someone you don’t know, really? Are you crazy? The next moment he realized he shouldn’t actually complain about someone sending him so much. Ha, ha! Thank you. Hope you won’t get run down by a truck and change your mind about paying me in your next birth.
Calling his father, Will told him the good news about having the money to fully repay some of their loans. Then he checked the time and decided he would call Leah later, when she’d have a recess.
Putting Ascension aside, he visited the banks to pay back the loans, then he paid his sister’s next semester at school and for his next six months in the game. That took him almost five hours.
It was cold outdoors, and Christmas Eve was nearing. Having a second thought, he decided not to go back into the game today, but instead, he bought gifts for his loved ones. Their family had never had a tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts, but now he had the money to make them a bit happier on that day.
Spending two more hours shopping, Will then dropped into the restaurant he used to work at, to see his friend. Curtis smiled at him and asked him to wait a bit as he was taking a young couple’s order.
“Hi, bro.” Done with work, Curtis approached Will with two cups of coffee and put them down on the table. He was three years older than Will and a bit taller, his brown hair shoulder-long, and his skin dark. He had a sincere smile and gleaming brown eyes.
“Same to you.” Standing up, Will gave him a strong handshake and a clap on the shoulder. “How are you?”
***
After they’d had a quick chat, Will got down to the reason he was here. “Have you thought of taking a different job?”
“Do you mean your game?” Curtis smirked. “I’ve told you more than once: that’s not my cup of tea. I don’t believe one can make good money there.”
“Well, this is what I’ve made.” Retrieving the bank statement showing the last amount received, Will slid it across the table to his friend.
“Wow. That’s a fucking lot of money! How is that possible?” Curtis peered at the number disbelievingly. “It’s just a game!”
“That’s a single shot, I must admit. I can’t promise you’ll be making that much any time soon, but for the record: in-game gold’s current rate to USD is 3:1. By now, I’ve made almost 12,000 gold. Lost almost half of that later, but that was my decision.”
“Hey, wait. Twelve by three is… 36,000 dollars? And you lost a half?!” Curtis looked at Will as if he were a complete idiot.
“Stop that. I had to spend it. Do you think it made me happy?” Will protested.
“So what are you offering me? To start playing when I’ve never played before?”
“I hadn’t either.”
“You hadn’t. But you’ve been preparing for something like that for half a year.”
“Nothing keeps you from starting to prepare too.” Will shrugged, taking a sip of coffee.
As they talked, the TV screen next to the bar displayed the popular show about Ascension. Sitting across from the anchor was a young guy looking straight into the camera with arrogant eyes and a condescending smile, a TOP player from the Night Sky clan.
Interviewer (I): Please tell me: what floor do you play on?
Player (P): Our clan has bases on all three floors.
I: Just like any other TOP clan, I see. But, actually, I meant the floor you are playing on, personally.
P: The third.
I: So, the third floor. What about the guard? Has anyone found them?
P: Ha, ha. Very sly. I must tell you that no clan would ever disclose such information. Collecting the keys is the game’s main storyline. No one knows what will happen to them after the gate is open. Will they disappear or what, the first one to open the gate will receive a reward beyond their wildest dreams.
I: Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know that.
P: It’s okay. It’s only your job.
I: Fine. Could you tell me then what you think about White Raven? The player whose name has topped the ratings since the game’s start. A person like that must evoke strong emotions from everyone. Am I right?
P: Everyone has seen his videos. I don’t think anyone who’s just trailing along behind the NPCs deserves any real attention.
/> I: Are you sure? As far as I know, getting a high-level NPC to be your companion requires great effort. And he always plays solo. We haven’t seen any other players with him—except for that single occasion when he conquered an instance with RD.
P: That means nothing. He’s just damn lucky. I’d like to tell him a couple of words in case he comes across this interview. May I?
I: Sure.
P: White Raven. Or should I call you blond sheep? A maverick. A loner. Wherever you are, you won’t stay there alone for long. Once you come across other players, your false grandeur will be seen by millions. I will personally be a part of busting the myth of your invincibility. Your playing technique is far below what it takes to be considered a pro. I don’t understand how anyone can buy your killing of that puny bunch of players as proof of your strength. I’m sure I could kill you right now. And I’m just one of many. Will you accept the challenge? The devs are promising to introduce arenas for players from all floors to fight each other with the next upgrade. I’ll be waiting for you in Room X, from 8 to 10 p. m. New York time.
I: Wow! Dear audience, we’ve just witnessed Challenge Number One! I’d like to confirm the information about PvP arenas and tournaments. To the best of our knowledge, it is true. You can learn more on that from the game’s official web page. Will White Raven accept or not? That’s all for today. Our guest was the famous Ascension player known only as Mister X. See you next time!
Will turned away. Did that pretty-boy upstart just challenge him? Sure Will did not have as much PvP experience as the other TOPs, but was it a reason to underestimate him that much? He stared at the screen now showing other news, thinking of getting Pak to train him in PvP.
“Why freeze like that?” Curtis’s voice jerked him back to reality. “My break’s over. Time to go. Thank you for your offer. I feel like perhaps I really should change something in my life. It was nice to see you.” He stood.
Will reached out a hand. “Wait. Please take this. Don’t refuse.”
“Are you sure?” Curtis stared at the envelope Will had put down on the table. “You’ve saved my life. I’m forever indebted to you. And I know about your goal. You’ll need all the money for it, won’t you?”
“Yes. But you are one of the few friends I have.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Bye. Give my love to your sister.”
“Sure. Blue skies to you, friend.”
“Blue skies to you too, bro.”
***
By the end of the day, he only had about $10,000 left. Buying the groceries and coming home, Will cooked his meals for a few days ahead: mainly soup and stewed cabbage.
The next day he’d have to deal with palace intrigues. Thinking of that, he set the alarm clock and, washing his face, he went to bed earlier than usual.
Chapter 131. The Young King
T hrowing a few parties to meet the noble families, Will barely kept himself from killing half of them. Arrogant, rivalling, and scheming, they could cause him a lot of trouble, but he could not rush to remove them from his path, in fear of even worse consequences.
***
Two weeks later
Collecting all the papers, Raven received a system message:
Attention! You have been offered a unique hidden quest: Young King.
You meet all the conditions to receive this quest:
1) The Princess is interested in your becoming the king;
2) You are friends with Captain Emin de Folker;
3) Your relationship with Adamarona’s people is Worshipping;
4) You have all the papers;
5) Game sensitivity level: 80% or higher;
6) 1500+ influence points.
This country has always been ruled by a man on the throne. This kingdom knew both the times of greatness and those of hiding in the shade, prosperity and poverty, oppression and freedom, war and peace. But it has always been the king behind all of its ups and downs. The leader who plunged Adamarona into chaos or raised it to glory.
You will open a new age. What it will be like is entirely up to you.
Your country is vast, with thousands of hectares of fertile land and millions of citizens. By accepting the crown, you are taking a tremendous burden of responsibility you won’t be able to give up easily.
Task: Perform a wedding ceremony with the princess for all nobility to attend.
Rewards:
You become Adamarona’s ruler (your relationship with its people maximized);
+ 100 000 XP;
+ 1 000 Influence points;
+ 1 skill: Royal Power.
Time for the princess to step in.
Reading the message, Will smiled. Not his gain-anticipating kind of a smile, but the one of a happy man.
***
Their preparations proceed surprisingly fast. Although the princess was aware the wedding was fake, she stepped in to orchestrate the whole thing, tasking Raven with lots of small missions, such as ordering the flowers or finding musicians who could play a particular tune. Running these errands, he opened the capital city’s whole map in two days. He’d have spent much more time if not for the horse cabs he utilized.
Completing Nanel’s quests, he had to refuse several dozen others, offered to him by the worshipping locals.
Dashing about and then coming back to the castle, only to dash out again. Round and round. Nanel seemed to be taunting him. Will had no choice but put up with it all, dreaming of the moment he’d take full power in his hands.
One thing that troubled him was several of the noble families.
The talks he’d had with them during receptions were really strange. His intuition hinted they would probably cause some trouble during the wedding, so he did his best to prepare for whatever surprises they had in store for him, leaving the princess to deal with all the rest. She was not alone in that, after all—rather, she was assisted by her uncle and Daltaro. The archer was probably happy at finding an activity to busy himself with.
***
Six days had passed since he’d received the Young King quest.
The palace reception hall had been transformed into an enchanting place, decorated with colored strips and lit by a soft, magical glow.
Raven stood at the altar installed for the ceremony, dressed in clothes selected by the princess. They added nothing to his stats, but they looked finely, somewhat resembling a tuxedo.
The guests were many: nobles and their families, merchants and judges, famous theater actors and bankers. Renowned blacksmiths, tailors, and other masters of trade with their spouses or fiancées were present. They stood on both sides of the velvet carpet, talking in hushed tones, glancing towards the entrance.
The music started, the door swung open, and Lonius en Baskar VI led the princess into the hall.
She was beautiful. Even Will, no romantic type at all, long having locked all his emotions away, couldn’t help marveling at her. That very girl he’d first met in the Taargada Forest, only now she looked like a real princess. A charming smile, long braided hair, and shiny green eyes.
Every girl dreams of a perfect wedding. Watching his bride slowly approach, Will put a light smile on, especially for her. Not his regular grin, but rather raised lip corners and warm eyes.
He turned his face to Nanel, but his eyes were taking in as much as possible. He was looking for those who would surely try to ruin his wedding. It can’t be that easy. His current priority was keeping Nanel alive. She was the key to his crown, to the secret quest chain, and possibly to even greater rewards in the future… if he completed the ceremony.
Will remained tense throughout the ceremony. But, finally, it came to an end, and he officially became the king.
Nothing happened.
Absolutely nothing.
No rebellion. No attacking Latian spies. No nobles slandering the new king. Just a regular wedding. A big and pompous one, with many guests, wonderful music, and extensive dancing, but re
gular nonetheless.
As though mocking Will, the system gave him what he least expected. A regular celebration on a royal scale.
Congratulations! You are the first player to rise to the throne!
Awarded the title: First King.
You have climbed to the very top of this world, but you still have a long way to go. Will you fall or rise to glory? First King is now your second name.
+10 to all stats
+5 Luck
As the first player to become a king, you have received a hidden bonus:
From now on, your blood is considered royal. All of your descendants will be able to ascend to the throne.
Congratulations! The unique hidden quest: Young King is completed.
Rewards:
You become Adamarona’s ruler (your relationship with its people maximized);
+ 100 000 XP;
+ 1 000 Influence points;
A rare skill learned: Royal Power.
Passive skill: Apprentice
Description: Any order you give will be obeyed by all citizens of your country.
Note: Excessively violent actions towards your subjects, or a long withdrawal from royal duties, will drive Adamarona’s people’s approval down. A low attitude status with your people will lead to a palace coup, rebellion, or mutiny. More on this in the State Management menu.
Note2: By developing your royal blood, you can acquire other hidden skills exclusive to the First King.
Sitting on the throne, Will read through his messages. Many came to greet him and congratulate on his coronation. He replied briefly, keeping his smile on the whole time.
Well, let’s see. Opening the character menu, Will saw a new development branch: Royal Blood.
A mental click on this link expanded a small tree of skills, each of them with a royal name.
Royal Will. The aura filling his subjects with awe.
