The Way of the Clan 6: World of Valdira

by Dem Mikhaylov

  Smiling at the archwizard, I resisted the desire to wave and went into the room I needed.

  There, not going to any of the doors, I went to the far wall, where there were two slabs of stone. I stood in front of them and waited. With a slight rustling, the stones shifted, and I could see many pairs of eyes on fix on me again, appraising us. Damn it, they just love to stare in the Mage’s Guild! Not a gram of politeness! Then, the plates began to open as though the doors of an elevator. In the doorway danced a pink aura with golden flashes— a magic curtain. Players below the hundredth level couldn’t pass through here, even if they tried to wait for the right moment and sneak in. Dream on, suckers.

  Once I passed the specialization as Krashshot. For him, I chose the ranger, though I hesitated between this and two other options: the combat shooter and archer-hunter. In the end I chose an intermediate option, wanting to explore the ability to read tracks.

  And now… hello magic. This is new for me, I’m not exactly prepared for the choice, but I was certain of one the parameters I needed.

  “After me, please,” a figure wrapped in a blue cloak greeted me, his head bowed, pointing a purple light to a side passage.

  Here, everything was different from the Warrior’s Guild. A lot more sinister and confused. Basically, we were not impressed. I looked on without expression, and the daughter and the wolf stared curiously.

  Without a word, I proceeded into the direction assigned to me, walked through a little corridor, and arrived in a tiny cubicle laden with dusty books, scrolls, stone tablets and other rubbish. On a large and surprisingly clean table lay an open book with pages the color of ivory. An ancient book…

  “Greetings, young man,” smiled a lean old man with white hair raised up through a thick gold hoop. “You came a long way, reached particular heights, acquired certain skills. Now it’s time to more on… please, touch the pages of this book.

  I nodded in thanks— adding to the atmosphere of respectful silence— and complied to the request, one finger touching the shabby-looking pages. A glowing chain of obscure symbols ran across the book. Then they formed into rows, creating text.

  “Hm…” said the old man, wincing imperceptibly and looking at me with his hard agate eyes— “Everyone comes here prepared with a selection. I hope you are also prepared!”

  “That’s right,” I said hurriedly. I wasn’t going to admit that I hadn’t really thought about it due to my adventures in the Outland and eating fried frogs.

  “So make a choice!” A hint of solemnity appeared in the voice of the old man.

  A golden fog rose up from the book and enveloped me, consuming me in a ghostly embrace. I discerned a few colorful balloons with names upon them— my choices.

  Let’s begin with the first…

  “Battle mage…” Combat spells increased by ten percent, mana reduced by ten percent, mana cost increased by twenty percent. The fines are too much— reduced by ten percent is carrying capacity, and regeneration by two percent. But mana regeneration is accelerated, plus the speed of casting any spell, as well as the range of spells. And that is definitely not all.

  “Magic healer.” Also a miss. The power of healing spells increased by ten percent, but combat spells reduced by ten… and the mana cost… same as battle mage. It would be good for Doc— given that he has enough mana. All healers begin that way, though— relying on external potions and outside energy reserves. The penalties are the same as the battle mage.

  “Mage of nature—” of course not. Though they have very fast mana regeneration, it is only if they are standing on a carpet of grass. Mana is not affected, so this is a miss. further development would lead to being a druid.

  “Support mage…” — power of combat spells reduced by ten percent, healing spells reduced by ten percent, mana cost of any spell reduced by five percent, mana regeneration sped up by two percent. Plus, there is the possibility of more narrow specialization. Carrying capacity increased by ten percent— right, something like a support donkey. The range of supporting spells increased by three percent.

  What other kinds of specializations are available?

  “The Witcher”… screw that… cold steel in the right hand and magic fire in the left… sounds ominous and cool, but in reality, not very useful for anything. You have to twist like you’re on a hot frying pan to put up with all these limitations. And one cannot wear iron on the skin, you have to wear silk robes… absolute nonsense, in a word.

  “Light mage…”

  “Dark mage…” All these classes were useless to me. Calling zombies from the dead was not for me. Neither was appealing to the bright spirits of paladins and summoning the eagles of heaven…

  “Peaceful mage”… that was generally a goner for gamers, unless you were a farmer or artisan. Useful for summoning a rainstorm or dispersing clouds gathered over a harvest. Or perhaps fighting off a pack of ravenous locusts…

  “Object mage”— a respected trend. The basic foundation for those wanting to craft magic wands, runes, spheres, and other artifacts. But not for me…

  In general, there was only one way I could go.

  Everything was pointing to the modest scope of “Support mage.”

  I bravely supported the warnings of the gaming system and enjoyed the melodious sounds which followed. The brownish mist from the book was absorbed into my body so quickly that I thought I had turned into some sort of vacuum cleaner.

  It was done. Rosgard had become a support mage— the person who imposes a mass aura on the group, for example. That is, one who uses those spells that I don’t know yet.

  No matter what, my choice would be perplexing to those who did not know I was the Great Navigator.

  Congratulations!

  You have achieved “Specialized!”

  (This achievement does not have ranks).

  Capstone achievement for all adventurers who choose their way among many!

  Congratulations!

  Your reward for achieving this:

  A copper column with guiding arrows inscribed with the words “Support Mage.”

  Object Class: Normal.

  Object Type: Collector’s item.

  Congratulations!

  You have passed the first specialization!

  From now on you are a Support Mage!

  Attention!

  It is strongly advised that you do an in depth study of all advantages and features of your specialization! Full details may be obtained at any city library or at a reasonable price in bookstores.

  “Your choice is bold and full of dignity!” Solemnly said the old man. “But we can all stumble. Remember, young one— your term is seven full days. During these days, consider your choice, know thyself, think thrice. And if there is any doubt— you may be able to refuse this path. Remember this.”

  “Thank you! I will not forget.”

  “Now, farewell!” There was a short wave of the hand… and my whole family and I were instantly transported into the common room.

  That’s it.

  I was a support mage! And extremely broad specialization at the current moment.

  One I was at the hundred and fiftieth level I could go through to another specialization— this time, within the selected class.

  And the two hundredth— another level up, this time much more profound and important. In any case, what’s done was done.

  The most important benefit was that the mana cost of any spell was reduced by five percent. It looked insignificant, but it was a major thing. This, coupled with my achievement of “Wise Man” would be very useful… and this made my heart a little warmer.

  But now it was time to talk to some very powerful, and not too pleasant personalities, and think about the most effective way to get to the hundred and fiftieth level.

  As soon as I went into the yard, a player wrapped in a gray cloak stepped away from the wall and handed me a small scroll.

  After a moment and a flash, we were transported into the restaurant hall, and a grac
eful female figure was bent over my child.

  “I am your very, very, very very kind aunt,” the Black Baroness cooed, hugging the girl. “You can call me mom…”

  “And ca-a-all m-me U-uncle!” Joyfully came Orbit’s drawl from the side.

  “Damn you all!” I blurted darkly and then bit my tongue, glancing at my daughter. “Say, does anyone know the goddess Guorra? We must either make peace with her or destroy her… you guys know how to do that well, right?”

  “What do we do well?” The Baroness continued to coo, picking straws from the hair of the girl. “We’re gonna go take a bath, yes, my dear? And then a dress and little shoes… and a teddy bear as a gift!”

  “Teddy bear!” The girl’s eyes widened.

  “Hey!” I snapped. “Don’t you dare bribe my daughter!”

  “I want a teddy bear!”

  “And I-i-I,” said Orbit, sitting at the dining table and picking mud off his heels with a golden fork.

  “And I want you all to… o-oh…” exhaling noisily, I massaged my temples, and asked: “Have you something to drink?”

  “Are you trying to offend us?” The waiter asked, handing me a thick book. “A wine map! Choose!”

  “To your taste,” I waved wearily. “Orbit— what happened with the rebel salt golems?”

  “Bo-o-o-oring,” said he, sadly hanging his head. “Ros… let’s go and do someth-ing int-teresting, eh?”

  “Sure, I’ll have a drink and then we’ll go,” I promised firmly, taking the large glass from the waiter.

  “Where?”

  “To the cannibals!”

  “Great… just great!” Gleefully smiled Orbit. “Drink fast-ter! And let’s go!”

  End of the sixth book!

  ADDITIONAL:

  The latest official news from the magical world of Valdira!

  Diversion of the month!

  At the subsea territories of the clan Abyss lurks trouble! A few miles of underwater caves which serve as nurseries for newborn emerald manta rays have collapsed!

  Accidental or intentional!

  The Abyss clan argues that it was not an accident! The foes names are established— it won’t be long before battle!

  Loss of the day!

  A small caravan of ships carrying precious shells and pink wood have disappeared! Five ships are gone! Mysterious disappearance? Sinking? Or was the ship taken? No one knows except the gods! But the owners of the ships, the Lemmings Chaos, are rumored to have hired the Albatrosses to find the missing ships and punish the thieves!

  The bet of the year!

  Total amount of bets has reached a billion gold coins!

  What is the bet?

  The name of the clan which will be favored by the GREAT NAVIGATOR! Which clan will be able to seduce the navigator to their side, the man whose name is still shrouded in mystery?

  It is still unknown. But there are four clans who are ahead: The Sleepless, the Architects, the Abyss and the Nautilus. They are rivalled by the Epic Union, which is composed of more than forty clans!

  ULTIMATE OUTLAND!

  Yo yo yo, adventurers! The Architects and Sleepless have again proven themselves worthy of their fame! The two clans opened the doors to the unique location of the Outland. What to expect? An endless stream of battles! The most recent video is already available on the official website!

  The Baroness herself is quoted to have said that the entrance to the location was found with great effort. Well! No one expected less of the Archs and the Sleepless!

  Grebehroks!

  They are extinct again!

  These dangerous predatory mollusks are almost completely wiped out! The last batch of ten grebehroks were captured alive and sold for an incredible amount. Clans offer huge rewards for anyone who can direct them towards habitats of surviving Grebehroks.

  Ruined negotiations!

  Correspondents of the journal Valdira Vestal were lucky enough to be present at the meeting of two leaders, those of the Red Wing ships and Lucky Sail.

  After several handshakes and greetings, the two opposing sides slowly but surely devolved into a fire battle. As a result, journalists had to flee, and part of the fleets were destroyed.

  Disappearance and appearance!

  Recently the famous yellow submarine leading to SedSends from the Bow has disappeared. The unique vessel disappeared for half an hour, and then returned to its route. Eyewitnesses claim that it was due to the angels. What exactly happened? What was the mystery? No one knows. But the editors offer a reward of five thousand gold for anyone with accurate information about the case of the yellow submarine Rango.

  Dark shadow!

  Recently a giant underwater shadow was seen in the cup shaped port of the island Forros. So huge, that it almost took up the whole port! No details could be seen— but according to the locals and bystanders, it is clearly a living being. The size of an amphitheater!

  Rosgard!

  This player novice has increasingly flashed on many video screens. His name is always heard in taverns. He is always hanging out with the Black Baroness! And recently, Rosgard has begun to meddle with the Architects. It looks like Rosgard is constantly involved in high-profile events! He is always doing unique tasks! Who is this Rosgard? Several players have expressed their view that Rosgard is not a mere player, but the legendary Navigator! Is it true? Who knows… but very soon, the Valdira Bulletin will ask Mr. Rosgard some pressing questions about the topics of the day. We only need to find this Rosgard… does anyone know where he might be?

  Rosgard wanted!!!

  Not alive— only dead!

  A reward announced for the head of Rosgard!

  Any player who is able to prove the murder of the player Rosgard will immediately receive a thousand gold coins from the aggr clan Bloody Darkness! For repeated murder— a whopping fifteen hundred! For every new murder of Rosgard— several times, double or triple murder in a day— additional monetary reward from the Bloody Darkness! If murder causes Rosgard to lose a level— an added twenty percent to the reward! Kill him everywhere! Tell us— anyone of the clan Bloody Darkness— and we will personally deliver the reward!

  A monstrous tragedy!

  A mudslide has wiped out the coastal town of High Edge! Together with the city has been buried the shipyard of the Crusaders of Light clan. The number of casualties among locals is to be confirmed. This is a terrible tragedy!

  Sentinels of Akelrome and Algora inflicted several blows to the local thieves and bandits, destroying them mercilessly.

  The army laid siege upon Crow Haven— clan citadel of the Red Demons! We remind you that the citadel is based in a dense forest inhabited by evil ogres. But none of the obstacles stopped the determined warriors who began the siege, only a day after the mudslide struck the unfortunate town of High Edge.

  Members of the Red Demons guard from the attacks everywhere— including neutral areas!

  All previously neutral settlements have changed their dispositions towards aggression.

  Crow Haven is still under attack— give hundred gnomes at arms march through the narrow forest paths! They march without rest— because the city of High Edge belongs to the gnomic race.

  A true hero!

  The high gnome Ruboros Brave personally awarded the order “Kirk and Axe” to the player Murohrom! For great honor as a gallant soldier and bravery and courage as a miner! Murohrom and his trusty pet worm rescued more than one hundred citizens from the town of High Edge. Glory and honor to them! Hail, savior Murohrom!

  The Cave Glau-Glau-Moss!

  The clan “Seekers of Secrets” have finally lived up to their name!

  The clan has managed something incredible— they have discovered a new multi-tiered cavern where no one has ever been! They passed six levels into the depths, which leaves them two miles deep— but the bottom is still far! Adventurers have been killed by dozens of claws and teeth of previously unknown monsters!

  If you dare! If you are restless! Then the cave of Glau-Gl
au-Moss is waiting for you!

  Dear readers! A huge thank you for supporting me all this time!

  Sincerely your Dem Mihailov.

  Official website: http://dem—mihailov.ru

  Forum: http://forum.dem—mihailov.ru

  English: http://forum.dem-mihailov.ru/forums/world-of-valdira-english.70/