Hack: A LitRPG Novel (Tower of Gates Book 1)

by Paul Bellow

  “Looks like it’s from Stargate.” I stepped over to Josh. “Maybe that’s where they got the name. There’s writing on top.”

  I looked up and read the words above the glowing gate.

  “Grabisco Isles, 1240 Common Era, Level One-One,” I said.

  “Must be the first level,” Sarah said. “I bet the others open once we clear it.”

  “Only twelve levels?” I shook my head. “That’s not much of a game.”

  “Screw all this talk,” Josh said. “I’m going in.”

  “No—wait!” I yelled, too late to stop him.

  He disappeared as he walked into the rippling energy field.

  “See you on the other side,” Sarah said then stepped through herself.

  Another game notification appeared.

  ** Unauthorized Access: Error… **

  No valid prisoner number.

  Your spawn position has been changed.

  Oh well, I thought. One little mistake won’t kill us.

  That whole never split the party thing is just a meme.

  I stepped through, hoping to see them on the other side.

  2

  Elf Mage Spawns in Thyananore

  SARAH

  I appeared in a tidy bedroom with wooden floor and walls. Where are the other two? I wondered as I looked around. The gate I’d come through was gone. A notification popped up in the air.

  New Quest: Join Your Party

  You have a new quest. Travel to Fishguard on the Southern Coast to join a band of adventurers. You have four days to complete this quest. On completion, you will receive 1,000 xp.

  That’s cool. Might as well enjoy a bit of gaming before Josh wants to go do something else. Everything seems so real in here.

  Suddenly, I realized how much I missed gaming with Eric. We’d played hundreds of hours of War of Spellcraft back when we still hung out together.

  Excited and nervous, I pulled up the game menu.

  > Stats Spells

  Level One

  * Fish Slaying (1mp) - Slay fish in ten foot radius per mana spent. Can spend no more than current level

  * Golden Bolts (2mp per bolt up to 4+ lvl of caster) - Golden bolts of energy shoot out of your palms doing 1 to 4 (1d4) points of damage each bolt.

  * Glorified Cloaks of Bronze (2mp per armor adjustment up to 4+ lvl of caster) - Golden energy surrounds the target of the spell, improving their defense by 10%

  * * *

  TIP: As you gain levels, you will have access to more powerful spells. Some, like Fish Slaying, are prerequisites for higher level spells.

  Fish slaying? I chuckled. This is looking to be an interesting game. What about skills?

  > Stats Skills

  * Spell Craft - Basic Level 4 of 10

  * Create Magic Item - Basic Level 1 of 10

  * Ride Horse - Basic Level 2 of 10

  * Perception - Basic Level 1 of 10

  * Sense Motive - Basic Level 1 of 10

  * Weapon Craft (Elvish Longbow) Basic Level 5 of 10

  * Languages: Elven, Common, Hobgoblin, Goblin

  Not bad. How do I learn new skills or improve them?

  Before I could open the help files, I heard a woman’s voice outside the door of the bedroom and a soft knock.

  “Kali? Can I come in?”

  The door swung open. A shapely woman wearing simple clothes stepped into the room. She smiled, exuding peace and joy.

  “I have something for you,” she said.

  They picked my name for me?

  “Hello,” I said.

  Would the game give me more information on her? I concentrated on her face, and another game window appeared.

  [NPC] – Ellowynn Tracaryn

  While over a hundred and fifty years old, Ellowynn, your aunt, still looks ravishing.

  Some people enjoyed hacking and slashing monsters and leveling up, but I loved the role-playing aspect of games. To me, gaming was a social experience.

  “What did you bring me?” I asked then smiled.

  “A scroll,” Ellowynn said, lifting a parchment.

  She looked real but not too perfect.

  I reached up and took the rolled-up scroll.

  “What’s the spell?” I asked.

  “Something your mother wrote before she died,” she said solemnly.

  I swallowed a lump in my throat, remembering my real world mother had died.

  Did the game know? Coincidence? Probably.

  “It’s a common Find Familiar spell,” Ellowynn said. “But it will help you on your journey through the forest. Don’t cast it right away.”

  I stared down at the scroll in my left hand. A notification popped up.

  New Magic Item – Scroll of Find Familiar

  This scroll will allow you to find your familiar, a creature who will bond with you and level as you level up. Spell will attract creatures found in a hundred-mile radius of casting. You will attract a higher-level familiar depending on your level when you cast.

  “Save it for something good,” she said. “You remember how Aunt Jazzy got stuck with a toad as a familiar. I still have a wart from that darn thing.”

  I smiled, loving the attention to detail in the Non-Player Character.

  “Thank you so much,” I said as I slipped it into the cloth sack hanging at my side. “Do you have any other advice for me?”

  “Follow your heart, my dear,” she said, a tear running out of her left eye. “And never forget the power of love. It’ll get you far in this world.”

  That and fireballs, I thought as I smiled.

  “You’re right, aunty. Thanks again. I should be on my way.”

  Ellowynn hugged me briefly before turning and scurrying out of the room. I glanced around one last time, taking in the details before walking out to an empty common area.

  My aunt in the game stood next to a wooden counter on the far side of the room. She hummed as she chopped vegetables with a big knife.

  I marveled at the realism of the game as I walked toward a sturdy, wooden door. The floorboards under my feet creaked with each step as if they’d been around a long time.

  “Have fun and be safe,” Ellowynn said without turning around.

  After opening the door, I stepped outside and onto a weathered yet friendly wooden porch. Several other houses a few hundred feet apart lined both sides of the dirt path.

  Massive trees over a hundred feet tall loomed in the distance. I tilted my head back to take all of their glory in. A flashing yellow arrow appeared on the heads up display, pointing the way.

  Should I follow it?

  The ancient trees called to me. I felt more like an elf than ever before in my life, and I loved it.

  I stepped toward the forest. A few feet away from the wooden house, the arrow disappeared. Was this an open world game?

  The quest screen had given me my destination, so I confidently walked toward the giant trees. I reached a well-trodden dirt path leading into the densely packed woods. Birds and other creatures called out in their own languages.

  This is amazing, I thought as I called up the game menu while walking.

  Eric and I have to play without Josh around to slow us down.

  I scrolled through the limited game options, not seeing a way to quit.

  That’s odd. Maybe I need to play longer? Best to keep moving.

  “Stop game,” I said, wondering if a voice command would work. “Quit game.”

  A notification screen popped up.

  You received an OOC penalty!

  For talking Out of Character in-game, you will receive

  -10% experience points next encounter.

  You now have 5 minutes in-game to talk OOC without a penalty. If you talk OOC after 5 minutes, another penalty will be added.

  “Finally,” I said. “A role-playing first kind of game.”

  I smiled at the easy interface and realistic surroundings as it dragged me in deeper. Outside the forest, I opened the help file for OOC penalties. />
  OOC penalty

  This only applies on some levels. Certain items will let you get around this penalty. Remember to let yourself get wrapped up in your surroundings. Learn from your experiences in the Tower of Gates and always work to improve yourself. The only one who can change you is you.

  What kind of crazy game is this? Role-playing purists?

  I started down the path and into the forest, not bothering to check my inventory. With each step, my thoughts of Eric and Josh faded.

  I scanned left and right, up and down, trying to take it all in. Strange, exotic smells hit my nose, changing with each step. The air grew cooler as I walked.

  What will combat be like?

  I also wondered if we were the only three players in the game. Solo adventures weren’t my thing. I enjoyed gaming with others.

  The only NPC I’d met had been nice enough, but I wanted to find the others as quickly as possible. I could see myself becoming addicted.

  A brown furry rodent scampered across the path, disappearing into the underbrush. I checked the rules on how to cast a spell.

  Best to be ready, I told myself as I read the instructions for magic and spellcasting.

  The HUD stayed balanced perfectly as I walked.

  I heard a commotion to the left, somewhere off the path.

  Monster? I stopped, struggling to find the source of the noise.

  As a weak, low level mage, I slipped off the main path and hid behind a tree. The sound of snapping branches got closer. I took a deep breath, adrenaline rushing through my virtual body.

  This game is so freaking cool, I thought as I waited for the noise.

  Two short creatures stepped out with the word “[NPC] Brownie” above each of them. I thought the tag away as they stopped in middle of the road.

  What kind of special brownies are these? I asked myself as I stared at the short, roughly dressed woodland creatures.

  Their most distinguishing feature was the permanent smiles plastered on their oversized faces. I stifled a laugh.

  Forest creatures should be friendly enough.

  I stepped out from behind the tree.

  “Everything okay?” I asked. “Why are you two arguing?”

  Both brownies spun around and pulled out daggers.

  “We should kill her,” the pudgier of the two said.

  “Are you single?” his skinnier companion asked.

  “Don’t be rude,” Pudgy said.

  “Or what?” The other brownie stepped toward him, still smiling. “What are you going to do?”

  “Don’t fight over me,” I said. “Let me pass, and I’ll be on my way.”

  “Who are you?” pudgy asked.

  “My name is Kali,” I said. “And I’m in a hurry. Tell me if I can help you two with something, or I’ll be on my way. I’m a mage, and I have no time for games.”

  “You’re a mage?” the thinner brownie asked. “I love mages. My name’s Evan, and I dream of marrying a mage someday.”

  He lowered his blade and stuck out his other hand. I smiled and reached forward to shake it.

  “Not that you care, but I’m Ewen,” the big brownie mumbled.

  “Why are you two arguing?” I asked.

  Evan pointed south, the direction I’d been traveling.

  “We’re on our way to Fishguard,” he said. “And this bozo got us going the wrong way. I told him we’d missed our turn at the last tree, but he doesn’t listen.”

  “The whole forest’s full of trees,” Ewen yelled. “You’re an idiot.”

  “I’m going to Fishguard to meet some friends,” I said. “You two can join me if you want. I’d enjoy the company.”

  “That’s great!” Evan said, bouncing up and down excitedly like a young child who’d eaten too much sugar. “We have jobs cleaning houses in the city if we can make it there in one piece.”

  “Yeah, that’s it,” Ewen added. “We’re house cleaners.”

  He shook his head, his bountiful belly also moving.

  “Can you help us make it to Fishguard, Kali?” Evan asked. “Please?”

  “Sure,” I said. “Why not.”

  A notification popped up.

  New Side Quest!

  Help Evan and Ewen make it to Fishguard.

  Potential experience points: 500xp

  Not bad for a babysit the caravan mission, I thought, pleased with myself as the game mechanics drew me in.

  “Let’s get going,” I said. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and I don’t want you two slowing me down. Can you keep up with me?”

  “Sure thing, Kali,” Evan said, stepping ridiculously close.

  “Fishguard is this way,” I said, stepping south. “Follow me.”

  The brownies whispered back and forth before jogging to catch up.

  How long did I need to play the game? I wondered. Would it take days to find the others? How much time would pass outside the game?

  Evan grabbed my arm and tugged.

  “Stop,” he said in a low voice.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, looking down at him.

  He pointed to the brush on the left side of the path.

  “I don’t see anything,” I said.

  “Something’s coming,” Ewen said. “Something big.”

  I heard rustling nearby. Then a throaty growl.

  “Wolf?” I asked, wondering if we should run. “Can you two even fight?”

  “I’ll kill anything for you,” Evan said.

  He looked up at me with a dreamy expression.

  “Pay attention,” Ewen hissed. “It’s coming.”

  Up ahead, two wolves stepped onto the path. Both turned to us, growling like vicious curs. A rush swept through my body.

  Time to cast my first spell.

  I moved my arms and legs in a dance-like way as strange words fell from my lips. Golden bolts of magical energy formed in the air then shot toward the wolves.

  All five struck, causing one to yelp in pain.

  Your Golden Bolts INJURE a gray wolf for 13 damage!

  You have [14/24] mana remaining.

  The wolves both yelped then turned to run back into the forest.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” I said, then repeated the spell.

  Five more bolts of magic golden energy shot from my palms.

  I sent three bolts to the wolf on the left and the remaining two to the other.

  Your Golden Bolts INJURE a gray wolf for 5 damage!

  A grey wolf is dead!

  Your Golden Bolts INJURE a gray wolf for 4 damage!

  You have [4/24] mana remaining.

  The Brownies, sensing our overwhelming position, rushed forward with their daggers. Another yelp filled the forest as they stuck the other wolf.

  A grey wolf is dead!

  Combat is Over!

  You get +50 xp divided by one party member.

  You have a 10% OOC penalty

  You get 45 xp

  You have 45 xp

  You need 2,956 xp for level two Mage

  “We got him, Kali,” Evan shouted triumphantly.

  “Keep it down,” I hissed. “We don’t want to attract any more attention to ourselves.”

  “We’re invisible,” Evan yelled, still cheering.

  “You mean invincible, bozo,” Ewen chided.

  “Settle down, you two.” I peered into the dark forest. “Let’s keep moving. We’ll need to find somewhere to camp for tonight. I can’t cast any spells until I rest.”

  The brownies continued bickering as we walked past the dead wolves.

  I saw their blood and smelled the stench of death.

  I pulled up my stats as we continued south toward the city of Fishguard, intent on learning more about myself.

  > Stats

  Name: Kali Tracaryn

  Race: Elf

  Class: Mage

  Level: 1

  XP: 45 (2955 for next level)

  Alignment: +75 (Very Good)

  HEALTH: 8 (8)

  MANA:
4 (24)

  Strength: 72 (+10%)

  Dexterity: 96 (+35%)

  Constitution: 52 (+0%)

  Intelligence: 93 (+30%)

  Wisdom: 43 (+0%)

  Charisma: 44 (+0%)

  Nearly out of mana isn’t good with so many miles to go. Maybe I should try to use my bow for some physical damage.

  “Wait up, Kali,” Evan said. “You’re walking too fast.”

  I slowed down and glanced over my shoulder.

  “Hurry up, slow-pokes,” I teased.

  “We’re vicious wolf killers,” Evan said. “You’re smart to let us escort you to Fishguard.”

  “I’m escorting you two,” I said.

  “You’re the best escort ever,” Evan said, smiling innocently.

  I feigned a smile then turned around.

  The ludicrousness of the entire situation hit me in that moment.

  As we walked, I thought about Eric and Josh.

  Why hadn’t they started closer to me? And why was the game sucking me in?

  While the world around me wasn’t real, it was the closest simulation of reality I’d ever seen or experienced before. Addictive.

  Evan tugged at my arm again.

  “Watch out,” he said.

  I heard even louder sounds coming from the forest to my left. As the noise got nearer, I unshouldered my bow.

  “Stay close, you two,” I said as I drew an arrow.

  Could I use a bow as well as I could cast spells?

  The brownies stepped in front of me, holding their daggers.

  I squinted my eyes while staring at the source of the noise.

  What now? I wondered as I waited for something to appear.

  3

  Half-Orc Warrior Spawns in Mang

  JOSH

  My eyes widened after walking through the trippy portal of light. I found myself in an empty room with mud walls.

  What the...

  Before I finished my thought, a burly pig-human creature stepped into the room. I saw the words “[NPC] Orc” hovering over its head.