The Way of the Clan 3 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

  -- I see— I said slowly, with a frightened look at the screen. Fourteen missed calls from Vlas, and a furiously blinking closed envelope at the top with the number five.

  -- He’s eager to see you— concluded Kira— That’s what it is. And then in the swamp? Why did you go there anyway? What quest can possibly be there?

  -- It was necessary to. Why, I can’t?

  -- Someone let slip that you were there performing some kind of quest, and only a few people knew, and the info about your pet and legendary statue was told.

  -- Right, you wanted my pup!

  -- The hell I didn’t! And I didn’t need the statue, either. But our sales rep was interested— you seem to have communicated with him.

  -- Yes, I remember something like that— I nodded— A slippery type of character.

  -- That’s the kind of work he does. Buy something for cheap and sell it high. He was sent to wait for you. Not a lot of time, that he has, every hour scheduled for someone.

  -- What a bloke! – said I, pulling a few pods of hot pepper from the fridge.

  -- So our baiter is sitting there, reading a book… and then another player comes. Also with a fishing rod. An interesting player, by the way— Sherwood Shooter, not the weakest figure of the Sleepless. Even has a few achievements. They’re hanging on the walls of the hotel. And this is not an easy achievement! Have you ever gotten a picture? Immortalized yourself forever?

  -- Hmm… -- I muttered vaguely— A troublesome case, maybe…

  -- Almost unreal! And the Sherwood Shooter has as many as two achievements! Achievements for Combat Service. And this super Persian shows up at the seedy and smelly swamp, where only the swamp-creatures roam… So the shooter appeared, and what do you think he did?

  -- I do not think— I said grumpily— I know. He threw in the fishing rod.

  -- Exactly! A few steps from our knight. Two guys decked out in full gear stuck in the stinking swamp to catch fish. Any fool would get suspicious. Ours was able to get to the clan chat: strange things happening here in this marsh. They began to correspond, and that’s where our main protagonist comes onto the scene.

  -- You mean me— I nodded, carefully puffing out my chest.

  -- Right. And there was such a battle! Out of nowhere appeared two more Sleepless, our Albatrosses started to pound so hard, that they learned to run to the bottom of the lake! They held out until they couldn’t, and then, revived, he yells in the clan chat: “People, there’s a hell there! Arrows whizzing over our heads! Bog-creatures flying!” In general, it was fun. And sad. And strangely— our sales rep knew you were going to be in the swamp. But the Sleepless, how did they learn of it? What do you think?

  -- Someone spilled the beans. What’s there to think about.

  -- And again, Vlas is involved in this story… Ros, why does he need you so badly? Why won’t he leave you alone, both in virtual reality and real life?

  -- Who the hell knows! – I replied frankly— But I’ll find out. Once I’m in Valdira again, I’ll write him back.

  -- Uh-huh. But you still be careful— Vlas knows who you are, Ros. Who you are in real life.

  -- Just the same with you.

  -- Yes. This is the problem. I still remember that syringe. It went too far. Vlas knew both me and Gosha. Knew me in reality. Knew where we were going to be that evening… and what’s the most funny, is that he was charged to deal with the problem. Funny, is it not?

  -- Kira, listen. I know Vlas from way back. And this person, he would never betray his friends. Do you understand? You cannot accuse someone because he knew something or he’s got something expensive. The outfit— that’s a hopeless topic. That he spent bombs on the mountain trolls— well, the task can become boring to someone after the same time of performing the same task, and perhaps he wanted a bit of diversity. And that Vlas should have agreed to participate in such a task, where a girl is forcibly injected with something? He’d better take that syringe and stick in up their… ehm.. well, you understand. I’ll find out later why Vlas needs me so much. Oh right! Do you know how to clean onions?

  -- Nu-uh.

  -- A potato?

  -- Nope.

  -- Hmm… Who doesn’t peel, doesn’t eat!

  -- Ros!

  -- And anyway— enough of Valdira. Let’s drink wine, sing and dance.

  -- Uh-huh. Would you like a pour of wine?

  -- Yes please. Well, let’s start grilling! Are you ready, Trouble?

  -- Ready! You are that yourself! A child of damage, father of disasters!

  -- What, what did you just call me?!

  -- You heard!

  -- Alright, no fired snacks for you! Go chew your sandwiches!

  -- Ros!...

  That was the strange nature of our conversations. A little incoherent and confused.

  I understand Kira— the girl has experienced rather strong stress. At first, kidnapping, then a syringe with a drug, then escape with a battering ram and subsequent injuries. Here anyone would begin to squint suspiciously at everyone. Paranoia comes on suddenly. And when someone in the inner circle drastically alters their usual line of conduct, one cannot help but be on alert. And Vlas… however, I cannot blame it all on the paranoia. I have not talked to Vlas in so long. And, over time, people change. Although, at first glance, he hadn’t changed at all.

  In any case, I must find out why he needed me so much. And from this information, to improvise further. But later. Now, I have more important things to do.

  For example, it would be nice to read the incoming mail, check my characteristics and skills and at the same time to level up my growing pup.

  Fortunately he was already working on it— already he had brought me the fifth bumblebee, and a small pile of trophies was beginning to form at my feet. The wings of insects, antennae, lets, and other stuff… Tyrant faithfully played the role of breadwinner and provider. Let him rise until the tenth level, and then we’ll start with small snakes and other, more serious livestock.

  Going to my inbox, I was surprised at the first two lines of the list. From the administration there was not one but two letters— gold envelopes around which, lazily, flapped snow-white wings, easily retaining a position above the other messages.

  Particularly important letters from Immortals always have the highest priority, and a unique mechanism allows them not to be lost among the dozens of others.

  And bright color code sends advance signals about the subject matter.

  Gold— something very important, requiring immediate review.

  Gray-silver— information of some technical kind, or small-scale innovations. Ordinary correspondence with the admins has the same color.

  Red— it’s time to lube yourself up where it doesn’t shine. Penalties. You screwed up somewhere, something broke, and you got a warning or a punishment from the devils. Maybe a temporary negative hindrance— for example, a cut on all mana and life hits, leaving only pathetic single point in each. You can exist in the game, but everything else… with only a single point in your life scale, you won’t kill many monsters. Sneeze once and you’re already scared…

  Black…-- well, it’s the end. If such a letter pops up in front of you, then you open the letter and… and that’s all. Your song is sung. The black mark. Short concise text will hang in front of you for three or four minutes, and then you’ll be forced out of the virtual reality and your character will be blocked indefinitely. The worst option— the complete removal of the character. To get such a severe punishment, it’s necessary to do something very, very bad. To get the dark mark— the worst nightmare for any player.

  Clicking the very first, I began to carefully read.

  Ahoy, Navigator!

  At sea, the storm is already born, carrying changes with it and calling you to further travels! Soon, it’s time to hit the road! But before you go out on the open sea, be sure you have read the scroll “Holy Commandment of the Navigator,” which you will be able to take from any city library starting tomorro
w. We also advise you to pay attention to equally important scrolls such as “Boarding”, “Challenge Award”, “Underwater Menace” and “Calm Bay”, as long as other materials contained in the magical series “Path to Zar’graad!”. Remember, forewarned is forearmed! Knowledge is power! Good luck, adventurer!

  P.S. General information for all players. Stunning news! Finally! In urban libraries and bookstores, the new historical work of Vagnar Quill. The chronicle is filled with the most detailed and accurate information about the Great Hunt for unique spell “Dispel the Cover of Zar’Graad.” If you desire to learn about the great battles between powerful clans of Valdira, of the brutal march over the water and the dark depths of the ocean, about the rise and fall… and much more, then be sure to get the following chronicle from the series: “Legends of Valdira: Bloody Reefs.”

  Note: also for sale are a few number of exclusive editions of the chronicle. Impressive black leather binding, elegant silver lining and a number of magnificent color illustrations. But hurry to buy! Remember: the offer is limited!

  Huhhh… That was the first bell. There was more information about the trip to the lost continent. It should be read by all means. The first part of the letter was addressed to me directly, and in the postscript was the general newsletter. Probably, too, not without some hint.

  The book chronicle, telling the story of the battle for the possession of a spell… that I got without a fight, in the most incredible way. It would be good to get acquainted with this little book… and I could do with the simple version, without silver linings or color illustrations. If only just to understand the spell.

  The immortals would never say anything directly— but they will surely hint at it.

  Okay, and now the second letter.

  On the issue of your compensation!

  Dear Rosgard; the administration of Valdira apologizes to you for interfering with your gameplay. We hope for your understanding of the reasons we had to take this difficult step in an emergency situation.

  Considering your unwilling participation in the filming of a blockbuster involving Lizanna the Ravishing, you will be paid the standard fee for a cameo. If the director considers it necessary to expand your presence in his movie, he will contact you directly. The decision is up to you. The fee will be paid in gold dollars, rubles, or euros based on your choice. To resolve the issue with your payment, you may visit any bank in Valdira and talk to the senior clerk. With him, you can discuss all other issues of participation/ non participation in the upcoming film.

  Additionally, we are pleased to offer you several options of compensation!

  1. Into battle without thinking! A month’s prepaid diamond account plus a set of amplifying alchemy spells, in the amount of thirty units, plus a set of full equipment for a battlemage of the sixtieth level. (The full set includes eight “rare” items, including a staff.)

  2. Careful owner! A month of a prepaid diamond class account, plus a week’s worth of special milk for your pet— enchanted. Each reinforces experience times three, for a period of twenty-four hours. Plus a rare gift collar to choose from the zero to twentieth level with protection and healing spells.

  3. I live here! Paid month of the diamond class account, plus two full weeks of the paid account.

  4. I like to solve problems with a single blow! – Paid month of the diamond class account, plus forty scrolls with combat spells of higher ranking, plus the “Meteor” scroll!

  5. Knowledge and skills— that’s what matters! Month of the paid diamond class account, plus ten blue martial book and ten blue craft skill books.

  6. I’m immortal! Paid month of the diamond class account, plus the effect of complete invulnerability for one (1) minute. Ability is for one use. Activation by installed voice command.

  Ps. Once again, it is strongly suggested you read all of the available documents about the upcoming expedition to the lost continent.

  Sincerely,

  Administration of the World of Valdira

  Each numbered line was interactive— click and the selection will take place.

  Having read the list again, I came to the conclusion that the demons had decided to ‘pay off’ another month of diamond class game play to appease me. Because this month was the “main course” in the proposed prix-fixe “menu.” Dinner is served, sir… sit down and eat, please…

  All the other items were just garnish to the fatty cuts of meat. And the question was, which side dishes to choose…

  Equipment and alchemy? Selecting the first item, my combat capability would increase significantly.

  Milk and a collar for Tyrant? The puppy would quickly turn into a wolf, and the enchanted collar would save him from many troubles…

  Two extra weeks in the game? Many players would kill for that type of bonus. Especially those who earn money by gathering ingredients, brewing potions, and the like, to sell them on the black market and the auction. Two weeks would earn them a lot…

  Books with skills? Even if I do not need such books, it’s always possible to sell them on the black market.

  A minute of vulnerability… hmm… interesting proposal. Just one minute, but a lot can happen in a minute… you could finish off an enemy, heal, get away, teleport… a sea of opportunities.

  -- And what am I supposed to choose? – I looked at the frolicking Tyrant through the lines— Or should I choose later?

  No!

  The answer came by itself. Enough. I’ve already set aside too much “for later” and won’t continue to do so. There’s the little girl asleep in my private room, that is… and next to the little girl, a contraption reminiscent of a short want or a gnarled tree root, an object which is unknown to me. Well, or the top of a staff… and the strange object name also said nothing: “???”. Very informative…

  I thought to grab the want and take it to the magic shop, and ask him to identify it… but after weighing all the pros and cons, I refused. The rod is connected to the sleeping baby and I wasn’t going to return to this topic until she woke up. Therefore, there was an unidentified object next to the baby. Until better and more peaceful times.

  Now I already have an overloaded agenda, and two very important tasks I should focus on.

  The first problem! I have to up my levels, abilities and gear to the point where my mana is sufficient to cast the unique spell “Dispel the cover…”

  Second objective! Finally collect the items from that damned silver legend.

  And these two objectives are already muddled by two rather uncomfortable truths.

  The Baroness had taken direct interest in my humble person, and with her, the entire clan of the Sleepless.

  The werewolf Grim had already attacked once, and would attack again. He’s hiding somewhere after the battle at the Temple of Tribulation, at the foot of the mountain, but he is sure to come back. Whether he is recovering, or if the human part of him is mourning the loss of a friend, I didn’t know… But he would return. Our next meeting should be the last.

  Therefore, I should choose a “side dish” from the list right away. But everything looks so good…

  Poke a finger at the screen blindly?

  No, no. We’ve already outgrown this method as a person! So…

  Equipment and potions? Nah. I’m not going to dwell in the sixty and seventies. Therefore, the equipment will quickly lose relevance, and potions will run out even faster.

  Eliminated.

  Milk and the collar? Definitely not. Alchemy to accelerate pet growth is generally required by players who have pets that long turned into monsters. Whose growth has slowed significantly. My same Tyrant is growing through leaps and bounds… or rather, through butterflies. The level of the proposed collar is ridiculously small too. Eliminated.

  Two weeks of the paid account? Well this is wildly seductive. But it is not critical. Not critical.

  Magic scrolls plus a scroll with “Meteor?” No. To choose this would be bad taste, and nearly crazy. My own skills would not grow. It’s up
to be to develop them. Eliminated.

  Books with skills? I’m not a craftsman. Books with random skills, of which only a small portion would be theoretically useful— useless, for my skill set. To sell them at auction?... No time, nor any desire. Eliminated.

  Immortality for a minute? Hmm… nothing to say. In general, only two options— an additional two weeks, and the strange proposal of being immortal for a while. But if the account is paid for a good month, and I have a bit of cash, and a chance of good production in the future… and what do we have then?

  Damnit!

  -- I want to be immortal! – I growled, poking the cursor at the last line of the list.

  The offer was highlighted, it flickered, and dramatically increased in size, taking the whole screen. The rest of the list disappeared. The choice was made. The gift awarded.

  A description popped up, concise and succinct.

  The ability was absolute— for a minute, I was immortal. But this would apply only to my life hits. Not to my mana. Nor to my equipment, pets, weapons, etc. – it did not apply. The principle was the following— if I am, right now, to drop into a volcano, if I activated the ability of “Immortality”, I would be able to swim in the lava for as many as sixty seconds, and dive without any consequences to my health. If I manage, for the tiny amount of time, to get out, I would emerge on the beach completely naked, save for the diaper. My outfit, my pet, my bag itself— all will turn to ash.

  Next— even worse— the ability would not affect my mobility. For example, if I got trapped in the web by a demonic spider— a terrible creature and very difficult to kill— for a minute, I could be giggling while looking up at the miserable and unsuccessful attempts of the spider to kill me. A minute of unhealthy chuckling and I would die happily— because my new “super-minute” ability would not help me get out of the trap.

  Yes, all disadvantages. But there is a single plus side to all this— as long as I have in my pocket a scroll of teleportation, many problems can be safely avoided. The main thing to remember is not to waste the ability.