Ingame: Virtual reality enabled

by Kieron Uchee

  “The total cost is twelve copper if you want to have supper and breakfast with us.” Deal I said, and paying her the twelve coppers I received the key. “Second door on the second level” she announced. “Thank you, thank you very much,” I said and gave her a big smile. Since when did they start making female NPC so cute I wondered to myself? Making my way up the stairs, I open the door to my room.

  It is a small room, with a bed against the far wall. A window could open above the bed. At the foot of the bed was a small chest that you could store things. There is a small chair against the wall opposite of the bed. Putting my pack on the bed I sat on the chair and opening up the interface I selected the bag and examined the contents.

  While I did not have a great deal of actual items in the bag, I had managed to find twelve more gold. I now had almost seventeen gold, when added to what I had started with. Not bad for a few hours work I thought to myself. Shifting over to the bed, I set the in-game alarm and closed my eyes. I would awake in time to go for supper and then back on the streets.

  I had to admit it the city was huge and the possibility of getting more and more gold was very appealing to me. I had decided I would spend the next week or two farming the city for gold, as you can never have enough. After two weeks, I would purchase better gear, and then I would begin to explore the city, specifically the Kradula and the abandoned zone.

  Chapter eight: Getting information

  I awake to the smell of broiled chicken with potatoes topped with a spicy sauce wafting up to my room. It smells pretty darn good. Looking at the foot of my bed, I see Twink stretched out asleep. I had left the window open for her to come and go and she had returned sometime while I was sleeping.

  I wondered how the little dragon could have two personalities. One was a self-aware young individual, the other an analytical operating system with no self-awareness. I hoped the two would merge as the character of Twink developed. Having a possible psychotic companion due to multiple personality disorder was not on my Christmas list.

  This could develop into a problem as she was also a dragon. Dragons are habitually greedy, grouchy, and grumpy in all the literature and games I had played. I was also definitely getting a female vibe from our communications. I am not even going to think about what that might mean.

  Making my way to the door I open the latch and leave the room. Descending the stairs, I enter the common room, which is full of people eating and drinking. The smell of good food and beer is overwhelming along with the sweet smell of tobacco burning in pipes. I have to stop from drooling it is so good. Seeing a small table in the corner, I sit down and one of the barmaids quickly brings me a huge trencher full of food and a beer stein that must hold at least two liters. My only regret is not having any smokes for after supper.

  The serving girl gives me a smile and says, “This comes with the room but anything else you have to pay for.” Then with a wink, she was gone. Gone but not forgotten, whoever had designed this world deserved a medal for the women NPC characters. First, there are no bras on any female players or NPC, second only C to Double D chest size is the norm. Gravity and age also have no bearing on the female anatomy. Add a universal semi-transparent blouse for the women to wear. Truly, this game could be developed into a fantasy theme for young men to enjoy.

  Breaking my fast, I ate quickly with enjoyment until the last bite disappeared and I began to nurse my beer. Sitting back, I observed the crowds for a few minutes; most of the people were finishing off their meals, settling in and lighting a pipe. The inn had filled with NPC men, and a few scattered players, overall it was a very relaxed scene.

  I could see by the tabards of the players that they belonged to the four guilds although I did not know the house patches on their shoulders. I began to listen in to the conversations around me, hearing about children not listening and how wives are not appreciative of their spouses. This game was too real in some respects.

  Standing up, I made my way over to a table with several players from the guild of Mars. I looked at them and then asked: “Hey guys can I get you a round of drinks?” The leader invited me to join the group sitting at the table. Once the beer arrived, the group lifted their mugs to acknowledge my gift and began to drink. After quenching their thirst, most of the people reached for their tobacco pouches and pipes.

  Lighting up, one of the more mature players looked at me and spoke. “Thanks for the brew little dude. Just so you know, we do not run low-level players to help them level up. If you want, I will put in a good word with the guild master for you and you can join the guild. We have custom quests and that is really the quickest way to get to those higher levels fast.”

  Listening to Abien, the player who was speaking, I thought quickly and replied. “You have me wrong, friend, I am not looking to have a group power level me.” Smiling at the group of players I said: “I am just looking for some free information, I cannot seem to find what I am looking for on the forums and was wondering if you guys might have the info I seek.”

  Seeing a few of the people nod at me, I asked, “I am interested in the Kradula and the abandoned city behind it.” Hearing me, a couple of the players laughed and one of them spoke. “Man I admire your interest, but the basement and the first two levels of the Kradula are minimum level twenty-five. The second and third floor scales up to level thirty-five to forty mobs.” “You are what, level one; you are not even in a guild or a guardsman. You would have no chance in there." “All true,” I said with a smile, “I am just interested in the story of it and the abandoned city.” “I won’t be going there for a while but I have heard it is a pretty cool story line.”

  One of the players nodded and said, “It is a cool story, and I will tell you what I have found out. Thirty years ago it was the city's orphanage, full of youngsters who would have been on the street but for the patronage of the king.” No one really knows what happened but it has been speculated that one of the priests of light became enamored with the powers of darkness.” “Really wow, what happened next?”

  “This dark priest desecrated the shrine of the Gods.” “How did he do that?” I asked. “The story is he took the youngest of the children to the shrine and there he sacrificed them.” “Then what happened?” “No one really knows, the Kradula became overwhelmed with the shades and zombies of the kids.” “That whole area of the city was closed off and the wall was built around it.

  Thanking the players for the information I slowly walked up to my room. An abandoned city area, I am going to guess that there were many valuables left behind. These valuables were things that the living could use the walking dead and any other unnatural beings did not need them. I decided I would continue to search the city for all the lost treasure that I could safely find. I would do this for the next two weeks while trying to nurture good relations with all NPC.

  I knew that once a player became friendly with them they could give out all kinds of quests. Smiling to myself, I was happy to see that I had a plan and a goal. Even if I spent the next year living at the Inn and flirting with the barmaids I would be content.

  Chapter nine: Dishes

  Opening the door, I saw that Twink was gone. Calling to her with my mind, I heard “Yes Papa” “Twink if I look at the map can you also see it?” “Yes, Papa” Holding up the map I heard “scans complete, open editing activated.” “Papa, you do not need to look at the map anymore until we go to an area outside of the city. I have memorized the map and can add anything new that we discover. Also, look Papa.” Suddenly in the upper corner of my vision was the map, sharp and in focus.

  By looking at any of the city areas they quickly highlighted and filled the whole of the map.” Nice, I thought. I could not believe my luck being able to use the Google glasses in the game was paying off.

  “Well done Twink, can you keep this map open like this for me?” “Yes Papa, I am hungry now, going to hunt.” “Be safe Twink.” “I will meet you outside later.” Grabbing my cloak, I left the room and descended the stairs.
I could see the dinner rush was over and aside from a dozen men smoking pipes, the room was empty.

  I could see both barmaids busy working, stacking dishes and taking them into the kitchen. Looking through the open doorway, I observed the huge pile of dishes awaiting washing. By the time, the girls were done in the open dining area I knew that they would be at least another two hours in the kitchen finishing all the work.

  Walking through the door to the kitchen proper, I saw the innkeeper was already working on baking the bread and preparing for the morning meals. I waved at him and spoke as I walked over towards the counter he was working at. “Good sir” I began “I have noticed that the girls are almost overwhelmed with the amount of work that they deal with.”

  “I was wondering if we could come to an understanding, for a small reduction in my room rate, I would be glad to help with the clean up after the breakfast and supper meals.”

  The innkeeper looked at me strangely and then spoke. “It's true we are busy, almost too busy at times.” “I would be loath to say nay to you as in truth I need the help. Being so close to the abandoned area we are the only inn nearby and while the business is a blessing it is a lot of work.” “If you help out and prove yourself I will only charge half for the room.” “What do you say stranger shall we make the deal?”

  Smiling at him, I grasped his arm and we reached an agreement. Telling me to call him Mathias, he nodded at the dishes. Quickly taking off my cloak and grabbing an apron, I filled the cleaning tub with hot water then I filled the rinsing tub with hotter water. Adding a bit of soap, I began to wash and rinse the plates, mugs, and cutlery. After a few minutes, both of the barmaids brought me another armful.

  Without meaning to I was staring at the redhead with the hourglass figure as I stumbled through telling them my name. The redhead spoke first and smiling told me her name. Reona, it was a nice name and seemed to suit her. The brown-haired woman smiled at me and with a wink said, “No worry's lad, Reona has that effect on a lot of the boys. My name is Teicha and if you get tired of resting your eyes on Reona you can bring them to me, I won't mind.”

  I am sure my face was red and in an attempt to not stutter I just nodded my head vigorously several times while my eyes fought me as I raised them above the chest levels of the two joking girls. Finishing off the dishes, I grabbed a small bucket and filling it with hot soapy water I strode towards the bar.

  Quickly wiping the bar off I made my way through all the tables and once the tables were all clean I returned to the kitchen. Nodding at Mathias I asked, “Is there anything else to be done before I leave.” Shaking his head he spoke, “You have done a great job you have my thanks.”

  Suddenly there was a ding and an announcement appeared in front of my eyes.

  For hard effort and good work, your relationship with the NPC of the lower city has increased. You are now an acquaintance and will receive greater respect and have the possibility of receiving quests from the NPC of the lower city.

  I guess being polite and hard work does pay off occasionally.

  Chapter ten: Night time stroll

  The air felt cool and fresh after the heat of the day. Making my way down the street I slowly walked towards the nearby park. My map showed several golden glimmers scattered throughout the park. One of which was much brighter than the others. After walking by the bright moonlight down the main street I turned onto a side street.

  Following the map, I made my way deeper into the maze of small side streets. Most of the buildings were clearly abandoned. The final three city blocks showed no signs of life at all. I kept to the shadows walking slowly and softly. I would be lying if I were to claim it was not surreal and somewhat scary.

  Eventually, I came across the entrance to the park. The map did not do justice to the size of the park, the overall area must have encompassed several city blocks. The entrance was overgrown with shrubs and small trees about thirty feet tall. Making my way through the underbrush I eventually walked into a central clearing, several copse of trees were visible in the small dells that appeared further into the park, a brook was bubbling in and out of the terrain. It was wooded and peaceful with the sound of the brook bubbling along in the moonlight.

  I stopped and stared, this was an amazing find, I was having a hard time accepting that this was both man-made and then abandoned. Calling out to Twink I asked her if she could fly over the park and then we would add more information to the map. As I saw the details appear I saw that near the back of the park several buildings were visible and that is where the largest golden glimmer was. Noticing a few smaller glimmers that were visible further into the park I began to make my way to the first one.

  I realized that I was walking on the remains of a path and that made a lot of sense to me, most people would have walked along or near the main paths when they had lost the coins they carried. That, unfortunately, was bad for them, but good for me. Listening to the insects making the little night noises and hearing what sounded like an owl hooting in the distance I realized that this area had gone wild. This gave me a bit of a chill down my back as I am a city boy and the largest animal I had ever seen was a cat.

  I also knew that some people in the city kept dogs, wild looking creatures that were all aggressive and territorial. Most of these beasts have gone through selective breeding over the years to be small and gentle and yet for some reason they were loud and bothersome. Yippy, I had heard these little monsters being called.

  If I ran into anything like this I would give Twink permission to eat the damn thing before it would attack me with the yippyness. Whatever this yippyness might be. Hopefully, I would not run into dogs in this game world. I had not seen any dogs yet but that did not mean they were not present in the game. Cats and rats seemed common in the city, maybe there was a ban on dogs by the city council.

  Interrupting my musings on pets was the fact that I had arrived at the location of the first golden glimmer. The location was beautiful; the path had begun to run parallel to the brook with a small sandy beach leading to the water. There were several trees growing on the opposite bank. The brook itself was about ten feet across and the shores seemed to be shallow with the middle of the brook deepening. It appeared to be only a couple of feet deep, and that made me happy as the golden glimmer was about three feet from the shore I was standing on.

  Stripping down to the tighty-whities that all players had from the moment their avatar was created I looked at my body. It was about five feet nine inches tall. The shoulders were broad and heavy with muscle, in fact, my whole body looked like that of a bodybuilder before they all turned to steroids.

  My skin was a light brown color that appeared to have golden hues to it in the moonlight. My eyes were reptilian with the Dragon eyes ability activated. I also knew that I was heavy, weighing more than my size would indicate. Being part dragon had really changed me; it is a good thing that I look human. I wondered if it would help me in the water.

  Entering the small brook, I noticed the water was pleasant not feeling cold at all. Slowly walking out to the golden glimmer, I reached out and felt the small stones and sand at the bottom. Scraping off the top layer of scree, I dug deeper into the detritus until I felt something metallic and solid. Holding tightly I pulled what I held up into the water and letting the current wash off the item I lifted it into the light. It was a small solid bar of some metal I could not identify.

  “Twink” I called out “can you tell me what this is.” Hearing her voice in my mind I suddenly felt the AI of her personality take over. “Scan commencing, searching databases.” “The item in your possession has a 90 percent chance of being the fictional metal Mithril.” I had heard of it, seems like every fantasy novel and VRP game used it in some capacity. “Twink, within this world what is Mithril used for?” “It is coveted by mages and blacksmiths as it is one of the few naturally occurring objects that once enchanted seems to somewhat modify or empower any spells conjoined to it.”

  “How much would this size be w
orth in the game,” I asked? Latest auction house data would indicate that it is within the range of fifty thousand gold.” Twink replied. I was rich, I was rich, I was rich; the words kept running through my mind as my inner greedy self surfaced. At the point, my inner circumspect self-arrived and said, “Slow down boy.”

  Reordering my thoughts, I reflected on the fact that I had only scratched the surface with my treasure finding ability. Putting the chunk of metal into my bag I walked out of the brook and slowly dried myself with the cloak and then dressed. Staring down at my gear I resolved to get some better items as I could now afford to.

  Looking at the map, I began to make my way to the next golden glimmer. Walking among the trees and shrubs with the wild grasses growing knee high, I made my way through several of the small vales until I arrived at an overgrown flower patch. Near the edge facing the path was a golden glimmer.

  Kneeling down I began carefully to remove and pull away the stems and roots of the flowers, I made an effort to do no damage the plants. Slowly brushing away the soil I felt the hard outline of a coin. Lifting it up, I saw that it was old and the metal appeared to be gold. Noting a golden glimmer still on the ground I crouched down once again and gently removed the topsoil until I felt another coin. It was the twin of the first coin, and clearly they had both been here for some time. Silently thanking the person who had dropped them I stood and began to make my way to the next treasure spot visible on the map.