World Tree Online: The Duchess of Hammers: 2nd Dive Begins

by M. A. Carlson

  “If I changed, would you change with me?” Rose asked.

  Part of me screamed this was a trap. “If you changed? I don’t know, maybe. The thing is, it doesn’t really fit with my current build, plus I would hate to lose one of my professions.”

  “But you would at least consider it?” asked Rose.

  “Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” I asked, shrugging. It seemed Rose was testing me, hopefully I gave her the right answer.

  “Good,” Rose said, turning sharply to the Goddess Pasiphae. “I decline your very generous offer. I fear that such a change would offend my Goddess Lilith.”

  “I accept your response, thank you for your honesty and consideration,” said the Goddess Pasiphae.

  “I too decline. I am beholden to the Goddess Issara,” I answered succinctly.

  I was surprised with the Goddess Pasiphae gave me a small nod of deference. “I did not know you had been claimed by such an esteemed Pantheon. Please, give the Goddess Issara my best regards.”

  That was a little strange.

  “No for me,” said Mardi.

  “Accepted,” said the Goddess Pasiphae.

  “I also decline, I am still figuring out who I am. I am in no position to start figuring that out all over again,” said Vari.

  Pasiphae smiled kindly. “A wise choice. If you ever decide you wish to become a true priest, you need only pray to me and you will have my blessing.”

  “I extend you the same offer. If you wish to be a priestess to a well established and respected Goddess, you need only pray for it,” the Goddess Aphrodite was quick to promise as well, earning a little glare from Pasiphae.

  “I like being able to fly too much, but thanks for the offer,” said Baby.

  I was surprised the fairy took so long to answer. Although, I’m sure it was a very tempting offer. I had never heard of an in-game race change before, and to an advanced form of an existing playable Race.

  I looked over to where Olaf and Micaela went to speak. They appeared to still be in deep conversation. I remember them talking about what it would take for them to restart their characters now that their Seedpods were paid for. I also knew they said at the time they had accepted that they were probably better off sticking with their current characters and trying to make the best of a bad situation. This might be the best choice for them in the longer term, to be able to change race without taking a month off from the game and then starting over again at level 1.

  “What about you?” Heath asked, looking to the Goddess Aphrodite. “Now that we’ve declined the Goddess Pasiphae’s offer, what have you got?”

  “Not until all answers have been given. I would not want to unfairly bias you into choosing my reward over hers,” answered the Goddess Aphrodite.

  Olaf and Micaela finally came back, though Olaf didn’t look happy.

  “Have you made your decision?” the Goddess Pasiphae asked.

  “First, can I stay a shaman?” Micaela asked.

  “Of course,” answered the Goddess Pasiphae.

  “And Olaf can remain an Ogre Artillery?” Micaela asked.

  “I am afraid that will not be possible,” answered the Goddess Pasiphae.

  “Is there something close?” Micaela asked.

  “Your strength as a Minotaur Bull would be equivalent, so you would not be held back from that aspect. However, as there has never been a Minotaur Artillery, I cannot say for certain,” the Goddess Pasiphae answered slightly reluctantly.

  “What do you think babe? Is it worth the risk? I want this intellect penalty gone and I know you do too. We have no reason to keep the Ogre race now that the pods are paid for and let’s be honest about it, mining is not going to be a priority for us so long as we’re palling around with Bye-bye, Rose, Baby and Heath,” Micaela addressed her husband.

  I realized then, my first friends, the awesome ogre duo were about to become minotaurs if Micaela got her way.

  Olaf huffed and puffed then finally sighed. “Fine, yes, we accept.”

  “Yippee!” Micaela cheered, turning swiftly to the Goddess Pasiphae. “You heard him, we accept.”

  The Goddess Pasiphae smiled brightly and joyfully. “It pleases me so greatly to welcome you both to my herd. I hereby adopt Olaf Crushhammer as one of my children, let you be reborn as one of my blessed children, a Minotaur Bull.”

  Olaf was wrapped in golden light, but I was prepared this time, I had already looked away and closed my eyes.

  “I hereby adopt Micaela Crushhammer as one of my children, let you be reborn as one of my blessed children, a Minotaur Matriarch,” the Goddess Pasiphae said next.

  Another light bath I thankfully preemptively shielded my eyes from.

  I finally looked back to Olaf and Micaela, the minotaurs . . . that was going to take some getting used to.

  Olaf stood there and blinked severely times, then rubbed his eyes. “That is going to take some getting used to, two eyes versus one,” he said, his voice a rich baritone, very different from the deep boom of his ogre’s voice, much more human sounding. “That’s also going to take some getting used to, wow, I think I could be an announcer with this voice.”

  “I get tingles just thinking about it,” said Micaela, her voice was radically different. It actually sounded like I had imagined Micaela sounded like in real life, light and hyper.

  The next thing I took note of were the horns. They both now bore horns on top of their heads, each at least a foot long and pointing straight ahead, like an extra weapon built in, which they were. I couldn’t help but notice, Micaela was now barely taller than me while Olaf was only a head taller.

  “Didn’t you used to be shorter?” Olaf asked, measuring my height compare to his.

  “Didn’t you used to be taller?” I retorted.

  Olaf laughed. “So, what do you think? Like the new look?”

  “Meh,” I vocalized my indifference. “Just promise you’re not going to leave buffalo chips around the house and we’re good.”

  Olaf chortled. “It might be difficult to be sure, but I’ll see what I can do.”

  “What about me Bye-bye? Do I look sexier or what?” Micaela asked, striking a pose.

  “From the neck down,” Heath chimed in, leering at her and staring at her body.

  “Oh, so close to making it through the day without really pissing me off,” said Rose.

  “Oh, come on, I was only playing,” said Heath. “I didn’t mean it. She’s a real beaut’ now, much better than the one-eyed, one-horned purple people eater she used to be.”

  “Nope, not listening,” said Rose, then addressing Micaela she said, “I think you look great.”

  “So pretty,” said Baby. “Baby approved,” she added, giving Micaela a double thumbs-up.

  “Now for the real question,” said Olaf, equipping his hand-cannons then sighing in relief. “Class change notification: Due a change in races, Ogre Artillery as been changed to Minotaur Artillery,” he read aloud.

  “Congrats mate,” said Heath, clapping Olaf on the back, actually able to reach the man’s shoulder without having to stretch. Heath was only a little taller than Rose making him the shortest of the men.

  “If you are all satisfied with your decisions, I believe it is my turn,” said the Goddess Aphrodite, sounding a little haughty. “It would seem more of you value what I have to offer.” The goddess then presented an orb to Rose and I, I knew exactly what this was, having gotten one just like it last month from the God Fenrir, a giant wolf and a Norse God.

  I happily claimed the orb, it burst in a shower of sparks as soon as I touched it.

  You have learned the Greek runes of ‘Strength’, ‘Healing’, ‘Gladness’, ‘Victory’, and ‘Justice’

  Lore

  Level: 97

  Experience: 12.23%

  Professional Skill: Lore is the study of the history of the World Tree and its denizens.

  Subskill: Greek Mysticism III

  Your knowledge of the Ancient Greek language, history, runes a
nd their Mythos has granted you a higher level of mastery. Knowledge of Greek Skills and Spells is greatly improved.

  It bumped my Greek Mysticism to rank III, after I had already boosted it thanks to the books I had purchased just today.

  Runology (Evolved from Writing)

  Level: 48

  Experience: 68.47%

  Professional Skill: Runology is the art of communicating power.

  Chance to Learn Rank I Unknown Rune: 24.00%

  Chance to Craft Rank I Skill Book: +12.00%

  Chance to Craft Lesser Spell Book: +6.00%

  Professional Skill: Writing is the ability to communicate through the written word.

  Greek Expertise: +100% to craft any known Greek spell or skill book of Rank I regardless of level.

  The Greek Expertise was the real prize in this, if only I knew a few Greek spells or skills. Still, I wasn’t about to complain.

  Rose also happily accepted her own orb.

  Heath was given all seven of the ceremonial daggers and given a blueprint to have them re-forged into proper throwing knives. I was sure there were more features, but Heath was mum on the topic other than to make plans with Mardi to do the work.

  Baby was rewarded with a Greek spell, ‘Aphrodite’s Charm’, unlike the ‘Adonis Aura’ spell, this was a single target spell that would ‘Charm’ a single target for a few seconds, it was a crowd control spell and one that would suit Baby well.

  Vari was given a few spells usually reserved for priestesses. Personally, it seemed to me it was more the Goddess Aphrodite needling the Goddess Pasiphae.

  And finally, it was Mardi’s turn.

  “Can you make me a Goddess again?” Mardi asked directly, not allowing Aphrodite the chance to offer a gift.

  “Alas, I cannot interfere in the task your father has set you,” answered the Goddess Aphrodite, honestly looking a little regretful.

  “Okay, I figured that would be the case, but I had to at least ask. In that case, I want blueprints for the ‘Spear of Gungnir II’,” said Mardi, once again not allowing the Goddess a chance to offer something else.

  I don’t know if I was more surprised by Mardi’s actions or by what she asked for. It was the blueprint for the next level of my spear, something that would benefit me greatly in the immediate future. It would help her too, but that was more long term.

  “Alas, I cannot-“

  “Let me guess, my father forbids it, again,” said Mardi, interrupting the Goddess.

  “No, he did not forbid it. I just cannot steal something owned by another,” the Goddess Aphrodite corrected.

  “Ah ha, then you can tell me who has it and where to find it,” said Mardi, jumping on the information.

  “Hmm, hints. I cannot tell you directly, no pantheon would tolerate such interference. But I can give you hints. ‘In the City of Roots, where light and dark dwell in equal measure lies the home of a dead man. Locked in darkness and guarded by an army of adventurers and criminals, you will find what you seek.’ I am sorry I cannot tell you more,” said the Goddess Aphrodite, sounding apologetic for not being able to give more information. “However, I would still give you a small token,” said the Goddess Aphrodite, handing a small blue book to the dwarf.

  “The Drinking Horn of Hephaestus,” Mardi read the description. “Now this is real treasure. A beer mug capable of holding a full keg. Many a dwarf would die to get their hands on this. I will treasure it always.”

  “It pleases me that you all appreciate my gifts. Now, before I depart, Heath Rickards, I wish to speak with you,” said the Goddess Aphrodite. “Please, walk with me.”

  “Me?” Heath questioned in surprise. “What did I do?”

  The Goddess Aphrodite ignored the question, walking away.

  “Follow her you dolt,” snapped Rose, shoving the thief forward.

  “I’m going, no need to push,” Heath snapped back. He jogged forward stepping in line with the Goddess.

  We could only watch as Heath and the Goddess Aphrodite spoke, at one-point Heath seemed to get a little heated. What I would have given to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation. They didn’t speak for long before rejoining us.

  The Goddess Aphrodite was smiling kindly as she approached. She started talking before anyone could question what happened, “Now, it is high time we depart.”

  “My children will allow you safe passage from this ruin. They shall remain and guard this place until we can find a proper way to destroy it,” the Goddess Pasiphae added.

  “Until we meet again,” said the Goddess Aphrodite.

  “Safe travels,” added the Goddess Pasiphae.

  “Let love guide you,” the Goddess Aphrodite said, a small glare now aimed at Pasiphae as if challenging her to say something else.

  “Good luck,” the Goddess Pasiphae said, returning the glare at the elder Goddess.

  “Farewell adventurers,” the Goddess Aphrodite ground out, her jaw clenched tight.

  I foresaw bad things if we remained here, so before the Goddess Pasiphae to could say something else, I interjected. “Farewell, Goddesses, we’re so glad we could help but we really must be going. Thank you for the rewards and what not.”

  I then swiftly turned away and marched for the exit, followed closely by my group while the Goddesses behind us started bickering. By the time we saw the exit of the temple there were thunderous crashes shaking and cracking the stone walls around us.

  “I think they figured out how to destroy the temple,” joked Heath, prompting us all to run.

  We barely made it outside when the temple collapsed completely.

  “So, does this mean they are at war again?” Micaela asked, looking at the destroyed temple.

  “Nah, Gods and Goddesses are not allowed to go to war with each other unless it is against a fallen. That right there was more about establishing pecking order. I have to say that Pasiphae has guts to be challenging Aphrodite like that after just becoming a Goddess. I think I like her. I will have to remember to ask her our for drinks once I get my divinity back,” said Mardi, chuckling a little to herself. “Well, that was great fun. Thanks for being horribly irresponsible guards and putting my life in tremendous danger and nearly getting me killed at least a dozen times. I cannot wait until you come to Hammerton, then we will see what kind of trouble we can really get up to.”

  “Um, you’re not going to report tonight to the Major, are you?” Olaf asked, absentmindedly testing the point on his horns.

  “Of course I am, this is too good of a story not to share over drinks,” said Mardi.

  “That is a lot of minotaurs,” said Micaela interrupting the conversation.

  I looked for what she was talking about to see the black pools of sludge had been replaced by a small army of minotaurs.

  “So, anyone else feel like having steak for dinner?” Heath asked, only for Micaela to punch him in the arm, getting an audible snap as the arm broke like a twig. “Really? Was that really necessary? Bloody cow people.”

  “I’m not healing that,” said Baby firmly, flying ahead.

  “Time to get back, let’s collect our prisoners and get back to the barracks. Then back to the manor and I want a good and long night of sleep,” said Olaf, eager to leave this place behind.

  I was in complete agreement.

  “Hey, Bye-bye, you can heal my arm, right?” Heath asked.

  I followed Olaf past the minotaur army.

  “Bye-bye, come on, mate,” Heath called after me, chasing after me, his broken arm hanging limply at his side.

  “Bye-bye!”

  Chapter 23

  I yawned contentedly as I made my way down to breakfast. Aside from having to explain everything to the Lieutenant and the Major last night after we finished dealing with the Ardentia Guild, we were back to the manor reasonably just after 10:00 PM. Mardi naturally wanted to celebrate, so we did. I took it easy on the drinking which is why I was fortunate enough to wake up without a hangover.

  “Morning Jack
,” Rose greeted me in the hallway. She appeared to be in the same state I was, content and happy. “I smell bacon.”

  I snorted a laugh. “Let’s go eat then.”

  Rose agreed, taking my arm and walking with me into the dining room. Olaf and Micaela were already there eating. For some reason, Olaf and Micaela had stuck wooden keg plugs on the tips of their horns.

  “What’s with the corks?” Rose asked.

  “Sleeping with horns is dangerous,” Olaf answered simply. “After stabbing each other a dozen times on accident while we slept, this was the solution we came up with.”

  “You know, I never considered the logistics of sleeping with a built-in weapon like that,” I said.

  “Clever solution,” said Rose.

  “Morning everyone,” said Baby, fluttering into the room looking worse for the wear. Baby had been drawn into celebrating heavily with Mardi, something her tiny fairy body was not built for.

  Rose was quick to give her a small mug of beer.

  Baby looked at the mug and shuddered. She pinched her nose and tipped back the cure, drinking it down as fast as she could. When the tiny mug was empty she shuddered again.

  “You’ll feel better soon, little sis,” said Rose, guiding Baby to the table.

  “Morning mates,” said Heath, sauntering into the room next. He looked normal for him, I don’t know if I had ever seen Heath hungover. He drank often enough with us and I was certain he got drunk on more than one occasion. “How is everyone on this fine morning?”

  Mardi walked in right behind Heath, going straight to the kegs. For a Dwarven Duchess, one would have thought she would have more decorum, but by now I knew that was clearly not the case.

  “Morning,” said Vari, our new house guest entered the room. Lieutenant Saaya ordered her to stick with us and make sure we didn’t do anything else to endanger the Duchess.

  “So, Olaf,” started Heath. “What’s the plan for today? You know, seeing as the Ardentia Guild has been dealt with and the Duchess is safe. Still want all hands on deck for the last day?”