Dream Stream Reality: Publisher's Pack Books 1-2: (A LitRPG Adventure)

by Derrick Burke

  Sighing, I shake my head. “Just give me some warning before you do that next time.”

  A slightly familiar voice calls out from beyond the entrance. “Are you finished putting beauty marks into the audience chamber?”

  We all immediately go on the defensive, pulling out weapons and aiming them at the entrance. Ezekial dives for the table against the wall and disappears. I’m assuming he is now above us in the rafters.

  “Come on out, nice and slow,” I call back. “Who goes there?”

  “Aww, you’ve forgotten about us already, have you?” Han Goldeneye quips with a smile as he makes his way into the hall, followed by the rest of his clan.

  “We were just going to hand in our quest to the Guardian, then head on over to release you, actually. How did you manage to escape?” I ask with a puzzled expression.

  Han grins and spreads his hands wide. “Now that’s a good question. When you defeated the mad sorcerer, his enchantment on the grate went away. We didn’t realise it at first, but when we did, we just pushed it open since it wasn’t physically locked. Took us a while to get everyone out and make our way here.”

  “That makes sense, I suppose,” says Ifalna.

  Han’s eyes dart around the room in confusion. “Where is my son Solos? Did you find him? I only see Lord Varim’s rotten corpse next to you.”

  I look over at Dosan before I reply, “We didn’t kill your son even though he was turned. My companion here Bonded Solos Goldeneye to him instead.”

  Han scoffs with an angry expression. “Don’t lie to me. You killed him, didn’t you? The truth would have been kinder than you giving me false hope that he is still alive.”

  I shake my head. “I’m not lying. We will show you once we complete our quest with the Guardian.”

  Turning to Woody, I remove the Signet Ring from my pocket and hold it up to him. “Here is proof that we killed Lord Varim Meldoto.”

  “Ah, so you have,” rumbles Woody. “You have met the requirements of your quest. As Guardian of the Glade of Everhein, I hereby grant your guild ownership of the Glade of Everhein and all within its lands. Welcome to your new home, Lord Sybaal.”

  Hidden Quest completed: Save the Glade.

  Rarity: Unique/Rare.

  Details: You and your party have cleared out all hostiles in the fortress, including Lord Varim Meldoto.

  Reward: Your guild has laid claim to the Glade of Everhein by removing all threats from the fortress. The Guardian of the Glade has decreed that your guild is now the rightful owner of the Glade of Everhein and now bears all the rights and responsibilities as such.

  Reward: The title of Duke has been bestowed upon Sybaal as the guild leader. The title of Earl has been given to Kazzrak, Ezekial and Dosan. The title of Countess has been given to Ifalna.

  Additional Reward: 250,000 XP, Access to next quest (Rare).

  Hint: Find ways to protect your new Duchy.

  Congratulations! You are now level 26.

  Server First! Level 25.

  Effect: Gain an extra 10 Attribute Points.

  You now have 60 unused Attribute Points to distribute.

  If someone were to drop a pin, I would be able to hear it, that’s how deathly quiet it was in the hall. My hall, I suppose, even with the entire Goldeneye Clan in there.

  The expressions on everyone’s faces are the kind that you bring out on twenty-first birthdays or Christmas parties, including mine for the second time in so many minutes. I guess it’s easier to surprise me than I thought.

  First, I’m shocked that we didn’t have to go bareback around a forest like we did. Now I’m shocked that I’m the owner of said forest. Kind of a situation I didn’t really foresee.

  Another few seconds trickle by before Han is able to clear his throat a couple of times to speak. “You and your companions have also completed the task I gave you, freeing the Goldeneye Clan from the slow death at the hands of Lord Varim Meldoto. I, Han Goldeneye, Head of the Goldeneye Clan, hereby pledge allegiance and service to the Venatores Guild. I also personally pledge to serve my life debt to the lords and lady before me.”

  As one, the entire Goldeneye Clan kneels down before us on one knee with heads bowed.

  Hidden Quest Completed: Free the Goldeneye Clan.

  Rarity: Unique.

  Details: You and your party defeated Lord Varim Meldoto and saved the Goldeneye Clan from captivity.

  Reward: Life debt from the Head of the Goldeneye Clan. Allegiance to the Venatores Guild.

  Reputation with Goldeneye Clan: Exalted.

  Additional Reward: 250,000 XP.

  You have gained 300 vassals. Current Vassals: 304.

  Gain more vassals to help protect your Duchy.

  Congratulations! You are now level 27.

  You now have 64 unused Attribute Points to distribute.

  “Well, that’s different,” says Kazzrak quietly, looking from the kneeling clan to me.

  “No kidding,” agrees Dosan.

  “Um, Sybaal? I think this is the time when you say something to your new vassals,” Ifalna whispers out of the side of her mouth.

  Taking in a deep breath, I let out a huge sigh. More responsibilities. Now I’m classified as royalty or some such? Oh boy. This just went to a whole new level. What to do with a whole clan of cat people? I derail that train of thought before it shows on my face.

  I take another deep breath before speaking. “The Venatores Guild acknowledges and accepts the allegiance of the Goldeneye Clan. May we grow and prosper together. I, Duke of Everhein, grant Han Goldeneye the title and responsibilities of Lord Steward of Everhein. Rise, friends of Venatores.”

  Surprise flits across Han’s face before he bows his head again, and the name tag above his head adds the title of ‘Lord Steward’. “I will serve you to the best of my abilities, my lord. My clan has many warriors, crafters and merchants among us. We will help you make Everhein great again. Now, what of my son? Were you speaking truth before?”

  “Thank you, Woody, I believe we shall speak soon regarding today’s events, but for now, we must speak with one of your fellows,” I say and nod towards Dosan.

  “Yes, we have much to discuss,” agrees Woody before Dosan dismisses him in a shower of glittering sparkles.

  Right where Woody was standing, those same sparkles rush back together to form the giant werecat Solos Goldeneye.

  Han’s face fills with dread as he goes white. “No! My son has been tainted!”

  “Father?” A gruff but confused voice comes from Solos. “Is that you? Where am I?”

  I can literally see the spark of hope ignite on Han’s face as he takes a faltering step forward. “Son, you are alive. Has the taint not taken over your mind?”

  Solos looks down at his massive furry hands. “What happened to me? Why am I so different?”

  “Lord Varim forced a mutated were-virus into you, changing your physiology and mental state. He removed all traces of your memory during the transformation,” Dosan explains. “I Bonded you during the course of our fight with Lord Varim. I believe this link between us is the reason you aren’t a rabid monster right now. This Bond comes with many perks, but doesn’t come free. There is a price.”

  Solos looks down at Dosan with hooded eyes. “What’s the price?”

  Dosan looks back into the eyes of Solos with some spine. “You must serve me faithfully at all times. Your home is now the Astral Plane. I can summon you for however long I wish. I can order you to do whatever I will. If you were to die here, you would return back to the Astral Plane for eight hours before I could summon you again. I will not treat you as a slave, but I am your master.”

  Solos looks resigned and thoughtful. “I see. I agree to serve you so long as I get to spend time with my family when we are near.”

  Dosan’s eyes soften a bit. “That can be arranged. You are currently standing in front of them, so go and spend time with them.”

  As soon as the words leave Dosan’s mouth, Solos rushes over to h
is father and swoops the smaller man in a massive bear—cat?—hug. Tears are streaming down Han’s face, whether from joy or sorrow or both, I have no idea. Though probably both.

  I really should let them hug it out a bit longer, but I want to get away from all the fanfare and hullabaloo of this whole duke thing.

  “Lord Steward, I must be on my way; however I have some requests before I go,” I say quietly as I walk up to the two men hugging it out.

  Han squeezes his eyes shut and grips Solos a bit tighter before relinquishing his hold and stepping closer to me. “What is it you require, my lord?”

  I grimace, these ‘my lords’ are going to get old fast.

  Thinking about all the various empire-building games I’ve played over the years, I quickly assimilate my knowledge of them and adjust it accordingly for this scenario. The things you do on the fly. Hopefully I get it right.

  “First things first,” I say. “I need an inventory of the entire fortress in a detailed report to be given to me in twenty-four hours or upon my return. Second, any warriors or magic users will report to you and begin teaching their skills to every other clan member for four hours every day. This is compulsory. You may outfit your clan with the weapons and armour you will find in this hall and a corridor close to here. There is enough for everyone and then some. Does your clan have anyone who can detect hidden objects?”

  “Yes, my lord, we have quite a few stealthy clan members.” Han nods.

  “Well, get them to scour this fortress from top to bottom and see if they can find any hidden stashes or doors. I’ll give a bonus to the ones who find the best loot,” I continue. “Next, for four hours every day, everyone will be turning this crumbling ruin back to its full potential. I’ll give more detailed instructions about that when you give me a list of what needs to be done. The rest of the time may be used to do as one wants, whether it be crafting or something else; that is up to the individual.”

  Han bows and then straightens. “It will be done, my lord.”

  I grimace again and try my luck. “And stop calling me lord.”

  “Yes, my lord,” says Han with a blank face.

  “Urgh,” I grunt unintelligibly, putting a hand over my face. Didn’t think I would be able to get away with it.

  With a sigh, I remember that I was told once that if a person is in a position of power and the people they govern dismiss all regard for titles and such, enemies and newcomers will do the same. This will sow chaos and lead to disrespect. Some things we just have to grin and bear.

  “Alright, peeps. Don’t be alarmed, okay? I’m going to make the Lord Varim my bitch,” says Dosan to the Goldeneye Clan before he casts Reanimate on Lord Varim and three of the level 40 guards. They all Reanimate at level 27, and there are a few squeals of fright from the younger ones in the clan.

  Thankfully, no one decides to pick up a sword and start going to town on them. Most of the cat people are only level 20 or so. Wait, what are they even called?

  “Hey, Han, what is your race even called?” I enquire.

  Han looks surprised. “You haven’t seen a Felorian before? We are not a common race, but surely you would have seen one of our clans somewhere previously?”

  My comrades and I exchange apprehensive looks before I reply, “We only just arrived from a far-off land. Your kind aren’t around where we are from.”

  “Oh, I see. So where do you hail from, my lords?” asks Han inquisitively.

  “A land far, far away if we haven’t heard of your kind before. We have travelled far and wide in our previous home,” replies Ezekial.

  “Indeed, we came here via portal to a new world, or so we thought, not realising we would be stripped of everything we owned and even our levels,” continues Ifalna.

  “We are starting anew. A fresh slate, so to speak. Because our old world is slowly being destroyed, we, along with many others from our world, have been transported here. The spell was random placement, so we will be all over this world,” I finish, wondering if our storytelling will impact anything.

  “I see. Well, you must have been very successful in your previous world to be able to defeat Lord Varim so easily. Welcome to our world, my lord,” says Han without skipping a beat.

  Apparently, beings from another world transporting into this one is a common occurrence. Although, I must remember that this is still a game, so that would be just put into the coding.

  “Before we leave, you wouldn’t be able to find some sheets or something to carry a large bundle in?” Kazzrak asks Han.

  “I’m sure I can accommodate you, my lord,” Han says, giving Kazzrak a weird look, mumbling something about the eccentricities of the upper class. He moves over to the closest clan member and gives terse instructions before coming back to stand near us again.

  The entire clan disperses within thirty seconds, and one of them returns almost immediately with a pink bed sheet. She hands it to Kazzrak and bows before departing again in a flash.

  “Alrighty then. Han, let’s show you where the rest of our loot is before you show us the way out of here back into the Glade,” I say to the new steward before we all move off toward our stash.

  When we reach the hallway, Han’s eyes almost pop out of his head as he ogles the piles upon piles of gear. We move over to the silver, and Kazzrak proceeds to transfer it all onto the pink sheet before making a sack out of it, then slinging it over his shoulder.

  “Now we can go,” Kazzrak says happily and sweeps a hand over the rest of the loot. “Outfit your whole clan in armour; then put the rest in the armoury. I’m sure they have one here somewhere. Any valuables, get them to put it in the treasury or in the main hall if you can’t open it.”

  “Yes, my lord.” Han bows. “You wished to find the exit? Then follow me.”

  We make our way to the entry on the side of the wall we came from rather quickly, taking a quite direct route.

  As we pass through the gates, Han gives Solos another massive hug and bids us farewell, claiming pressing matters he has to attend to. I did see him giving quite a few glares to some of his clan when we passed them, so maybe he is off to yell at a few people. That would be a good outlet for him.

  I check the time. 22:30. Ten and a half hours in game already. Certainly hasn’t been dull, that’s for sure.

  It is quite dark in the forest, though a half moon gives plenty of light to see by, though I don’t really need it due to my night vision. Finding our way back to the clearing would be easy since we have already travelled the area and it appeared on the mini map when we opened access to it.

  “How about we not spend another three hours walking all the way back?” suggests Ezekial. “Why don’t we run back instead and see how much time we can save?”

  “Yeah, last one there gives up half his share of silver!” shouts Kazzrak over his shoulder as he starts sprinting his way through the forest.

  “Crap! Solos, let me hop on your back and let’s go!” orders Dosan. Solos kneels down to let Dosan climb on, and off they go.

  That’s certainly thinking outside the box.

  The rest of us take off after them through the forest. A combination of Dexterity and Stamina really plays a part for how long you can run. We can only sprint for so long before having to just jog again.

  Kazzrak ends up being able to sprint for a lot longer than any of us because of his high Stamina, while Ezekial sprints much, much faster due to his Dexterity.

  Dosan would have been able to keep up with them for the most part due to using Solos’s skills; however he has to make sure his undead Lord Varim keeps up. Dosan has one of the other undead carry the undead mage on their back.

  Ifalna and I just stay together. We make our way there as fast as our stats will let us.

  Upon arriving, I see that Dosan has already summoned Woody and they are waiting for us.

  “Alright, let’s get this show on the road!” exclaims Dosan with a fist pump as he turns to Woody. “Lead on!”

  We follow Woody through
the forest for a few hundred yards before we come across another clearing. A giant tree, and I really do mean giant, stands in the middle of the clearing. Did I mention how massive this tree is? It has to be at least a hundred yards wide and two hundred yards tall. Lights twinkle up its trunk and within the canopy.

  Woody walks up to the base of the tree and knocks on the bark quite loudly a few times. After a few seconds, a large wooden lift suspended by thick vines drops down from the branches.

  “This is the entry to the Glade Village,” rumbles Woody before he gets into the spacious lift.

  We all shrug at each other before hopping in as well. It starts retreating up into the canopy of leaves. It’s quite a tight squeeze with Dosan’s minions. If only he could send them off to another plane when he wasn’t using them. Ugh.

  8

  Well, to say that we were surprised would be an understatement. Especially considering the level of technology displayed with the vine ropes, pulleys, counterweights and various other contraptions just operating the many different lifts that we could see.

  The entire tree looks to have been converted into a massive village, utilising all of the available branches and the trunk itself. Large bulblike growths are attached to all the branches and the trunk, with what looks to be shuttered windows in various places.

  My head is on a swivel as we reach what looks to be a main platform attached to a large branch. Vines and branches create railings along all the walkways, even the suspended bridge types.

  There has to be at least a hundred nymphs, both male and female, living here. Or more, judging by how many I can see on various walkways or looking out windows. There are four nymphs in metal and leather armour with spears and shields at the ready.