The Road East (Epic LitRPG Adventure - Book 2) (Fayroll)

by Andrey Vasilyev

  “No, I’m tired of it down here,” I said. “I’m looking for the exit.”

  “Oh, come on,” said the elf. “It’ll be more fun with three of us. Let’s wander around a little more and then head up. After the citadel collapses, if you want, you can port with us to Madjonta.”

  “Where’s Madjonta?” I asked.

  “In the South, obviously,” said the dwarf in surprise. He looked up and apparently noticed my level. “Ah, got it. Still, you can check it out. It’s great down there.”

  “No, I don’t need to go south yet,” I said demurely. “But could you tell me where the exit is? Honestly, I—”

  “No worries,” said the dwarf. “Look. Go straight, and then turn left when this tunnel ends. Then turn left again when that tunnel ends. You won’t miss it—there’s a small open area leading to another tunnel and a secret passage. There are also stairs going up, and they take you to the courtyard. There isn’t much light, but don’t worry. That’s just because the exit is covered up and it’s already getting dark outside.”

  “How far is that?”

  “A bit less than ten minutes. Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

  “No, I need to head up. I’m sick and tired of it down here,” I answered.

  “Up to you. See you!” The dwarf waved and kept walking in the direction I’d just come from.

  “Have a good one,” purred the elf. He pranced off behind the dwarf.

  “See you,” I said to their receding figures. “Watch the time!”

  The echo boomed back. “Not our first rodeo.”

  I kept up a brisk pace to make sure I made it to the exit before I forgot the dwarf’s instructions. Left, and left again. Ah-ha—the open area. Thank the heavens! I could see why the dwarf had been carrying a torch; there wasn’t any moss, and it was really dark. I started up the stairs and could already hear friends and allies buzzing around the courtyard.

  “Hurry,” said a thin voice from behind me that could only have belonged to a halfling. “We’re almost out of time, and we still have to open the door. The mechanism is tough, there are a lot of locks.”

  Footfalls shuffled toward me, and I saw three shadows crossing the open space.

  “Well, isn’t this interesting,” I said, surprising even myself. Did I say that out loud? Damn.

  “Who’s there?” asked a voice. A small light flashed, apparently from a mage’s staff.

  “Me.” What’s the point in hiding now? “And if you aren’t smart, I’ll have a few dozen Hounds down here to back me up, too.

  Judging by their names, they were in no hurry to encounter Hounds. The halfling, whose name was Mato, I didn’t know, but, thanks to Milly Re, I had already heard of Gedron the Elder and Diord.

  “Ah, a brave, if foolhardy warrior,” said Mato, taking a step sideways and pulling an arm out from behind his back.

  “Keep your hands where I can see them,” I told him quickly. “Actually, I apologize, but that goes for everyone.”

  “Watch your mouth,” said Diord sharply, shrugging a sack off his shoulder. “I could finish you with one shot.”

  “I don’t doubt it,” I said in agreement. “But I’ll have time to yell before you can get here. I’m loud, and the entire courtyard will hear that Gedron is here. You have a nice sum on your heads, and half of Fayroll will rush in to collect it. And you, hairy legs, don’t even think about throwing a knife at me. I’ll still be able to yell.”

  “Really? What’s the reward?” asked Gedron with interest as he leaned on his staff.

  “One item from the Hounds’ clan storehouse. The big one. Anything you want.”

  “Impressive. The old toad likes me,” Gedron said, referencing the head of the Hounds with unexpected warmth.

  “Hey now, that’s a lady we’re talking about,” I said sharply. “And the head of a clan that’s friendly with mine.”

  Diord had had enough.

  “Gedron, come on. You could snap your fingers and finish him. What are you waiting for? We have to go!”

  “They’ll see a fireball or fire arrow from the courtyard. Somebody will probably notice, and what if they decide to come see what’s going on?”

  “And it still may not be quiet,” I said, backing him up. “If I don’t die right away, I’ll still be able to raise a ruckus.”

  “Absolutely right,” agreed Gedron.

  “Well, let him. You’ll still be able to get out,” said Diord angrily. “I’ll hold them here.”

  “Just a second,” I tut-tutted. “There are fifty high-level warriors out there, and you still have to get that door open. That’ll take time, and don’t forget the sack.”

  “Come on, Mato,” said the Hearts’ clan leader, shaking his head. “That tongue of yours will be the death of me.”

  Mato’s shoulders slumped dejectedly.

  “Listen, my friend… What is it?” Gedron was clearly stalling for time. “Ah, yes, Hagen. What do you want?”

  “I’m not sure,” I answered. “I’m still trying to figure out what I should do with you.”

  “Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” answered Gedron. “We’re all people of means, so just say what you want. Gold? Items?”

  Mato jerked at the word “gold.” I couldn’t tell if he was being stingy or if it was something else.

  “What do I need gold for?” I thought hard. “Or items, for that matter. That’s all just here one minute, gone the next. There are more important things.”

  “Stop it with your riddles,” said Mato angrily. “Say what you want so we can go. We’re—”

  “Let him be,” Gedron cut in. “He has every right to think. Right now, at least. Still, time is running out, so let me offer you something that isn’t gold or an item.”

  I perked up. “And what would that be?”

  “The one-time assistance of the Wild Hearts. You’ll have the right to ask for help once, and we’ll be obligated to do whatever you ask.”

  “That’s too general to be true,” I answered lazily. “Plus, you don’t even really have a clan. No offense, but that’s the truth.”

  “I wouldn’t count us out yet,” answered Gedron. “And about generalities, let me give you collateral. Here.”

  The mage tossed me something that glistened in the light cast by the staff.

  It was a ring. I peered closely at it.

  Signet Ring from Rist Empty-eyed’s Left Hand

  Belonged to one of history’s most powerful mages, a founder of the Hourglass Order and ruler of the Great Karta

  From the Heritage of the Holy Secret Order set

  Set includes:

  Tiara of Alchmerius

  Signet Ring from Rist Empty-eyed’s Left Hand

  Signet Ring from Rist Empty-eyed’s Right Hand

  Medallion of Ryan Tamerisk

  Staff of Fregot

  Mantle of Flerius Flavius

  Protection: 340

  +36 to wisdom

  +30 to intellect

  +36% chance of doing maximum fire damage

  +9% gold looted from dead enemies

  +26% life energy restoration speed

  +18% chance of turning damage received into mana

  Durability: 1320/1470

  Minimum level for use: 75

  For class: mage

  Cannot be stolen, lost, or broken.

  Can be given as a gift

  Does not disappear from the holder’s inventory after dying

  The following bonuses are unlocked by using the complete set:

  5 random mage abilities

  +45% chance of looting a magical item from dead enemies

  +30% life energy boost

  +30% life mana boost

  “Oh, wow,” I said with a respectful whistle. “That’s quite the little gadget! Old, and probably would get you a pretty price, no?”

  “I’d say so,” nodded the mage. “And you’ll give it back to me when we fulfill our promise.”

  “Maybe you me
ant that you’re giving it to me as a gift?” I hinted.

  “Yeah, right,” laughed the mage. “And then you’d disappear, never to be heard from again. I’m giving it to you as a gift, but without the right to use it as your personal possession. I can do that within the rules of the game.”

  “Fine.” It was worth a try. Still, not a bad deal. “All right, agreed. Though I doubt you trust me, and I think I need some security as well. You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not,” agreed Gedron. “What’s your idea?”

  “Excellent.” I rubbed my hands. “Number Nineteen, would you mind joining us? I have a question for the game admin.”

  The trio’s eyes all popped out of their skulls. At least, that was true of Gedron and Diord. The little one had been lost in shock ever since he turned on his internal camera to record the negotiations. But those two…their eyes popped out like crabs!

  “You called?” My black-suited friend with the briefcase walked right out of the wall.

  “Yes,” I answered, praying that the twins had added the option to my account as promised. “Could you come closer?”

  “Certainly.” Number Nineteen walked over.

  “Code 33,” I quietly whispered to him before freezing in anticipation of his response.

  “I am aware of certain preferences that affect you,” Number Nineteen informed me just as quietly. “But they only affect situations unrelated to nonlinear player development and violations of game progress.”

  I didn’t think the three Hearts, who were watching the conversation I was having with Number Nineteen, could possibly have been more surprised—even if the Gray Witch herself had walked over and done a striptease for them.

  “Of course,” I answered. “There’s nothing like that here. We have everybody’s mutual consent.”

  “What’s going on? Who is that?” mumbled the halfling.

  “I second that question,” said Gedron less animatedly. “What’s going on and who is that? I mean, I know who it is, but why is he here?”

  “Him?” I pointed at Number Nineteen. “He’s our notary public, so to speak, and he’s going to seal the deal. We aren’t just some guys, so we can’t just give each other our word. We’re respectable people. You’re the heads of your clan, even if it’s going through some dark days, and I’m… Well, I’m well-known in Fayroll, also.”

  “Who knows you?” asked Diord, more out of principle than curiosity.

  “Lots of people.” Nobody really knew me, but I had to say something. “The Supreme Vila, for example.”

  “The Supreme?” Gedron shook his head. “You’re not planning on marrying a vila, are you?”

  “Yep,” I nodded sheepishly.

  “You idiot,” the three said in unison.

  Seriously, what’s the problem? I really needed to read the forums.

  “Anyway,” I said, maneuvering the conversation back toward the issue at hand and away from more sensitive issues, “we’re about to finalize an important deal complete with collateral, responsibilities, and all the rest. I’d like the game admin to bear witness to it and apply penalties if the conditions aren’t fulfilled.”

  “Ooph.” Gedron sort of cleared his throat.

  “What did you think?” I addressed the remainder of the Wild Hearts. “You thought you could let me hold the ring, catch me on camera, and then nail me to the wall? And come out ahead in the end? Right. Number Nineteen, are you able to verify a voluntary transaction between players?”

  “That is not against the rules of the game,” answered Number Nineteen dispassionately.

  “All right, then let’s review.” I rubbed my hands. “Gedron, are you willing to come to an agreement with me on behalf of the Wild Hearts as attested to by the game admin?”

  “Hagen, how would you like to join our clan? This is just a setback—you can bet we’ll be back stronger than ever. I’d even offer you a nice spot in the clan hierarchy,” said Gedron. He was obviously having second thoughts about our dubious deal. Making promises was one thing, but following through on them was quite another.

  “No, I don’t think so.” I shook my head. “I already have a clan, and I’m not planning on leaving for the time being. So what do you say? Time’s ticking, and soon this whole place will come crashing down.”

  “Name your conditions first,” said Gedron.

  “All right. I pledge not to make any noise and let you leave unhindered, and with all the possessions you have with you. I imagine they’re pretty important to you, seeing as how otherwise you’d probably rather die than make this deal.”

  “Obviously,” muttered the halfling.

  “You pledge to provide me with the one-time assistance of your clan in the manner I request, be that military, financial, or anything else. You and any other members of your clan who learn about this deal are obligated to keep everything that has transpired here secret, including the conditions of the deal itself. If anything gets out, penalties will be applied, the deal will be annulled, and your security will be mine to keep. Also, the Wild Hearts pledge to not follow me or impede my game process, either here in the game or in real life either through violence or moral threats and to not involve third parties for that purpose. How does that sound?”

  “Done,” said Gedron unwillingly. “What are the penalties?”

  “It’s simply. Anyone who violates the conditions of the agreement drops down to Level 10 and loses all their attributes and abilities. In your case, that’s the whole clan. Number Nineteen, can you do that?”

  “Technically, yes,” confirmed the admin emotionlessly. “If the deal is completed voluntarily with no objections from either party.”

  “Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” said Diord with a whistle.

  “What’s the problem?” I asked. “Don’t go wagging your tongues or hurting me, and you’ll be fine. Come on, let’s make a decision.”

  “We agree,” said Gedron. “As a gesture of our good faith, I am officially giving you this signet ring as security, with the condition that you return the favor once the conditions of the deal have been met. If the deal is fulfilled, and the ring isn’t returned, you will be subject to the penalties we discussed in addition to the details of the deal being published.”

  “Agreed. But you three need to erase your recordings of all of this,” I noted separately. “Okay?”

  “Okay,” answered Gedron.

  I walked down the stairs, and we shook hands.

  “Done,” pronounced Number Nineteen. “Will that be all?”

  “Just a second,” I said, stopping him. “Could you check to see that everyone erased their recordings?”

  Number Nineteen froze for a second and then looked at the halfling. The latter dropped his gaze. Gedron shook his head.

  “That’s already a violation of the agreement,” I said evenly, “but we’ll let it go.”

  “All recordings have now been erased,” said Number Nineteen.

  “Excellent,” I answered. “Then off we go.”

  The trio set off in the direction of the secret passage, while I turned around and walked back up the stairs.

  “Hagen,” called Gedron.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m going to leave my offer to join the clan open indefinitely. You’re a pain, but you’re lucky, and you like taking risks. We need people like that, so think about it.”

  “I will,” I promised.

  Out in the courtyard, it was already dark. Stars were shining in the sky, people were lighting torches as they walked by, and the atmosphere was nothing if not romantic.

  “Is everything almost ready?” I asked a dwarf walking by. He was carrying some kind of cask.

  “Yep, another twenty minutes or so until the show starts,” he answered with a sniffle.

  “By the way, do you know where the Thunderbirds are? Your allies?”

  “They should be over there.” The dwarf put the cask down and pointed in the direction of the gate. “Although, they may not be.”r />
  “Thanks.”

  I slapped him on the back.

  “What did you find?”

  “I went down to the kitchen and found this cask of wine. And some lousy mutton…”

  Off he went with his wine.

  “They sure are thrifty.” I shook my head and headed toward the gate.

  There were all kinds of people crowded around the gate and not just my clan. Most of them were leaving the castle and finding spots nearby to watch the collapse.

  The Hound officers were standing off by themselves, and I waved to Valent, who I noticed was among them. He nodded in reply.

  Gerv popped up next to me from out of nowhere. “Where were you?”

  “I was exploring the vaults,” I answered melancholically.

  “Why?”

  “I thought I’d check to see if I could find anything.”

  “And did you?”

  “No, not much,” I answered, thinking back on the events of the past few minutes. “What’s going on here?”

  “Nothing, we’re just waiting for the collapse.”

  “Where’s Elina?”

  “Over there by the Gray Witch.” Gerv gestured with his head.

  I looked and saw that our leader was over chatting about something with the Hound leader in a fairly amiable manner. The gray scout and Milly Re were there, too.

  The Gray Witch obviously felt me looking at them and glanced over in my direction. She saw me, smiled, and waved me over.

  “Go, go,” said Gerv with a shove. “She’s calling you—go!”

  I headed over to see the high command.

  “I heard you did good work today,” gushed the Witch. “You were right in the middle of things?”

  “Yeah, it turned out that way,” I answered modestly. “I mean, I wasn’t planning on doing anything heroic.”

  “As if you had a plan…” Elina muttered to herself.

  “Hey, hey, there’s no judging winners,” said the Witch calmly. “They should be rewarded. I’ll think about how to do that.”

  “He saved my skin, by the way,” added Milly Re. “I won’t forget that!”

  Milly Re wants to add you as a friend.

  Accept?

  “Well, aren’t you just the hero of the day!” said the Gray Witch with a smile. “It’s just a shame that Gedron got away. Not a trace of him, although we looked everywhere. There was apparently a very secret passageway somewhere in the vaults.”