by Tony Corden
Giant Amazonian Worker Ant (Level 24) 2500 HP 2000 EP
You have harvested:
2 Gold Coins minted with an image of Carson’s Formicary
2 Amazonian Worker Ant Mandibles*
1 Vial of Amazonian Growth Hormone**
*A skilled Smith may be able to use these items.
**Note: This can be used to accelerate the growth of a mount or companion. If the mount or companion is already mature, this may cause them to increase in size.
Twice more they were ambushed by the giant ants. After thirty minutes the forest began to thin, and they saw a five-meter tall upright ant, standing in a clearing on a big mound of reddish soil. She had a silver tiara on her head and held an enormous axe.
Amazonian Ant Princess Atiope (Level 26) 2600HP 2300EP
Wisp donned the Cloak of Invisibility and stepped out the clearing and made her way behind the Princess. Leah counted to sixty before stepping into the clearing and getting the Princess’s attention. The Princess raised her axe, glaring down at Leah with some contempt. As she opened her mouth to speak, Leah equipped her bow and sent an arrow deep into the open mouth. Simultaneously, Wisp fired an arrow into the back of the thorax. The princess screamed and reared back in pain. As she looked back down Leah finished bringing the Morningstar around and smashed it into the Princess’ left leg. As the Princess fell, Leah fired the Webspinner ring twice securing the arms to the body. The princess crashed into the ground and before she could rise Wisp brought her sword down on the neck joint. It took two more blows to remove the head. Both girls turned as two more Amazonian Ants burst from the forest in response to the Princess’s call. It didn’t take more than a minute for the girls to kill both ants. Leah harvested the three ants, and beyond the regular loot, she took the following from the princess.
Princess Antiope’s Tiara (+10S)
Amazonian War Axe (Min 50S)
2 Vials of Amazonian Royal Jelly*
2 Vials of Amazonian Growth Hormone**
*A highly prized and rare ingredient used in several master level potions.
**Note: This can be used to accelerate the growth of a mount or companion. If the mount or companion is already mature, this may cause them to increase in size.
They searched the mound for any a treasure egg but found nothing. They continued on the path which exited forest before entering a small tunnel. And so it continued. Each of the princesses had brought five attendants, and each provided a different environment in which to fight and different weapons to face. Next was Princess Yesil who was a Green Nature Mage. From her Leah harvested:
Princess Yesil’s Tiara (+10I)
2 Vials of Crystallised Royal Ant blood*
2 Vials of Verde Royal Jelly*
2 Spells of Nature Magic (Ensnare and Wait a While)
*A highly prized and rare ingredient used in several master level potions.
Then there was Princess Siluet. Siluet and her entourage were Ghost Ants. They were only killed with fire or with an arrow or sword strike through their neural ectoplasm. Leah had her first chance to use Rain of Fire. From Princess Siluet Leah harvested the following:
Princess Siluet’s Tiara (+10C)
2 Vials of Elemental Ectoplasm*
2 Vials of Spirit Royal Jelly*
2 Spells of Death Magic (Resurrect and Suck Them Dry)
*A highly prized and rare ingredient used in several master level potions.
Second to last was Princess Kereste who was a Tree Ant. She dwelt in a forest and was almost elven, in appearance. The princess and her attendants used bows and shot from perches high in the trees. The girls won when Leah raised her strength above fifty using additional rings and used Princess Antiope’s Axe to cut down the trees where the ants were hiding. Hidden in one of the perches was a Tree Ant Treasure Egg. The princess dropped the following:
Princess Kereste’s Tiara (+10A)
1 Royal Tree Bow (Min Level 20)
20 Royal Tree Arrows
2 Vials of Green Royal Jelly*
*A highly prized and rare ingredient used in several master level potions.
The last and final battle was the only one which truly stretched the two girls. Princess Simdiki was an Electric Ant and used elemental lightning energy. It was only when they neared defeat that Leah cast the Disc of Death and the conductive spikes attracted Simdikis’ attacks while Leah and Wisp killed the ants from a distance with Arrows and Leah’s Freeze spell. Princess Simdiki dropped the following:
Princess Simdiki’s Tiara (+10W)
2 Vials of Elemental Lightning*
2 Vials of Charged Royal Jelly**
2 Spells of Lightning Magic (Lightning Bolt and Lightning Chain)
*Note: These are highly prized for use by Alchemists, Enchanters and Master Smiths.
**A highly prized and rare ingredient used in several master level potions.
When Leah and Wisp searched the area where Simdiki was they found a crystalline egg which sparkled with blue lightning:
Diamond Electric Treasure Egg
Leah took some Luck potion and opened the two eggs:
You have opened a Diamond Electric Ant Treasure Egg:
2 Diamond Coins cut with an image of Carson’s Formicary
1 Diamond Key to the Queen’s Treasure Room
1 Vial of permanent + 10 Strength
1 Vial of permanent + 10 Constitution
1 Vial of permanent + 10 Agility
1 Vial of permanent + 10 Wisdom
1 Vial of permanent + 10 Intelligence
You have opened a Tree Ant Treasure Egg:
1 Royal Tree Bow (Min Level 20)
20 Royal Tree Arrows
2 Vials of Diamond Royal Jelly*
*A highly prized and extremely rare ingredient used in several master level potions. Warning - If this is consumed without preparation of any kind random changes can occur in the subjects basic physiology and genetic structure.
Counsellor Musavir met them on the other side and took them to the Queen’s Treasure Room. Altogether they had found five keys, one each of diamond, platinum, gold, silver and copper. In exchange for each key, they were to choose one item from each of the five Treasure Room’s belonging to the Queen. They had been talking about how to do this and had decided that as most of their success had been due to Leah, that she would have the Diamond, Gold and Copper and Wisp would receive the Platinum and Silver treasures. Altogether the spent two hours in the Treasure Rooms and came away with the following:
Diamond Level
Baris and Adalet - Named Swords of Ilahi Sovalye, Elvin Paladin of Light
Ilahi Sovalye was Paladin of Light during the reign of Ahsap Kral, first King of Göksel-Orman. It is recorded that he was never defeated in battle. The Swords are considered indestructible and able to cut through any material. They were created by the Great Dwarven Master Smith Demirci and are made of Mithryl blended with Divine Light Elementals. The swords were stolen from their resting place in the Cathedral of Light and have passed into legend and mystery. Be warned; they must be tamed.
Minimum: Level 150 (A100, S100, W100)
Base Damage: 3000HP
Binds on pickup
Platinum Level
The Spell Book of Ates Kurbani - Greatest Fire Mage of Sihirbazlari
Under the leadership of Bazlari First Mage, Sihirbazlari prospered. It was during this time that the Greatest of all fire mages came to prominence. It was said that at the height of his power he stood against the Orcan Army lead by the infamous Orc General, Buyuk Cirkin.
Binds on pickup
Gold Level
The Mortar and Pestle of legendary Elven Sage Samarie
Elven Sage Samarie is remembered throughout the known world as the greatest of healers. This Mortal and Pestle were carved from a single meteorite. The magic from the innumerable ingredients that were crushed has infused them so that they increase the potency of any potion, poison or remedy that is made using them.
Binds on pickup
Silver Level
Quiver of Magic
This quiver holds ten magical arrows. 2 Freezing, 2 Fire, 2 Holy, 2 Lightning, 2 Neutraliser
Minimum: Level 40 (A20, S43)
Cost: 100 MP
Arrow return: 2 Arrows/minute
Base Damage: 450HP
Binds on pickup
Copper Level
Ingredient Doubling Box
When fully charged with Mana (10000MP) the box will reproduce whatever ingredient is placed within. It will not double any forged, created or mixed objects (such as potions).
Minimum: Level 40 (A20, S43)
Cost: Full Charge
Binds on pickup
After making their choices, they were brought before the queen. She said, “Traveller Atherleah and Traveller Annairë_the_Wize, together you are the first to enter our domain and complete the tasks set before you. You have not only beaten our warriors but have helped us to modify the challenges. Some may find it harder because We have seen you. Before you leave, We would like to add Our gift to you both. We ants are known for our strength and our hard work. You exemplify these traits, and so We name you 'Ant Friends' and gift you with plus-twenty to your Strength Characteristic. Go with Counsellor Musavir who will lead you to an exit portal which will return you to Carson’s Loop. If you come again, be prepared for a more difficult challenge.”
Counsellor Musavir led them from the hall and then said, “As before I would offer you Ant Friend Atherleah and Ant Friend Annairë_the_Wize a chance to rest before leaving us. Would either or both of you wish to rest before leaving? If so I will take you to the same room where you previously rested.”
Both girls agreed they would appreciate thirty minutes to freshen up and finalise their messages before leaving. And so they returned to the lavish rest area and finalised the quest. The major messages for Leah were:
World Quest: Collect the Coins - Diamond (1/50)
Many people throughout time have minted coins. They are scattered throughout Dunyanin. Collect these coins.
Difficulty: Easy to Impossible
Reward 1 if successful: (Number of Coins collected) x (Player Level) x 1000 Experience Points for each coin. (Note this coin was collected at Player level 20, Experience x 1.075)
Reward 2 if successful: 2 x (Number of Coins collected) Diamond Coins.
Consequences of failure: None
Do you wish to accept this Quest?
[Yes] [No]
Level 4 Dungeon Achievement: First 1 (2, Diamond)
Atherleah (Level 24), you have completed a dungeon: Carson’s Formicary
You are a player in the first group to complete this area. This is your second, 'First 1 (Diamond)' achievement.
Reward 1: 2500 x 24 = 64500 (+7.5%) Experience Points (24000/24000) … (16971/26000)
Reward 2: + 3% to all future Experience
Reward 3: 2 x 10 Platinum = 20 Platinum
Fame: 1000 Fame Points (3025)
A Commemorative Plaque has been placed in your bag.
Note: This achievement will be published on the Dunyanin achievement forum. Do you wish to retain your privacy?
[Yes] [No]
She had kept all five coin quests until now. She collected one coin each of Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Copper. Leah and Wisp discussed how to split the Tiaras and Potions between them. Wisp wanted the potions and tiaras for both Wisdom and Intelligence and said Leah could have the others. Leah thought Wisp needed to increase her strength and constitution as well. In the end, Leah agreed and took all three potions.
Finally, she looked at her statistics with not a small amount of justifiable pride.
ATHERLEAH (Level 29) (5940/29000) (+10.5%)
Characteristics - Points Total, (Assigned, Racial, Jewellery, Armour, Potions, Gifts) 0 Undistributed
Strength (S) - 75 (19, 0, 15, 11, 10, 20)
Constitution (C) - 57 (23, 0, 15, 9, 10)
Agility (A) - 60 (44, 2, 0, 4, 10)
Wisdom (W) - 35 (33, 2)
Intelligence (I) - 31 (31)
Luck (L) - 10 (10)
Statistics (Available, Capacity)
Health - 100+(S+C)xPL - (3928, 3928)HP
Stamina - 100+(C+A)xPL - (3493, 3493) SP
Mana - 100+(W+I)xPL - (2014, 2014) MP
Ki -100+(W+[S+A]/2)xPL - (3072.5, 3072.5) KP
A short while later Leah and Wisp stepped through the portal together. As soon as they arrived Leah unequipped her armour and together they entered the Inn, which was full and overflowing as many travellers met for breakfast before starting the day. Apparently, the town had experienced a population explosion with news of the dungeon find. As Leah and Wisp walked to their room all they could hear was people wondering who was the group that had finished the dungeon. They agreed to meet at twelve pm local time. Smiling, they lay down and logged off.
Diary - 20 November 2063
I did it! I finally started at College! It wasn’t what I expected. I was thinking that being a Community College it would be of poor quality, but the AI instructors worked at my pace. I imagined it would proceed at the snail’s pace of school, but they matched the learning to me. There was nothing new in either Chemistry or Human Biology, and yet still they were exciting. I think the reason I enjoyed them was that they kept pace with me and didn’t try and force me to slow my pace to suit them. I must not be complacent. I must keep pushing forward. The subjects aren’t what I wanted, but there is still tomorrow, I may not be where I want to be, but I have taken another step on the Journey. I need to find a way to step even higher. I want to be in a place where I am pushed to my limits and beyond. I suppose this, as in so many things, is up to me, what will I do to get there?
Gèng’s suggestion to learn archery was truly inspired. I must remember that there is always a way through a problem. I need to look for solutions outside the box. Observing something or knowing it is not enough. I need to know when, how and why to use information. I wonder how many people hunted ants near Carson’s Loop but never thought to ask why they were where they were. If I am going to succeed in the virtual worlds, then I must continue to ask questions and challenge myself.
PAIN! I have never been in such pain as when my arm was snapped off. I wonder how they measure fifty percent. How would they know what having your arm cut off feels like? I must ask Gèng if they stimulate the pain receptors at the nerve ending or simply manipulate my thalamus and limbic system. How do people deal with these injuries in real life? I found myself hesitant after it was cut off. I didn’t want to go through that again. But it was new almost immediately, and now only the memory remains. But the memory in itself has power, the power to make me relive the hurt. How can I have power over my memories and deny them power over me?
CHAPTER SEVEN
November 21, 2073
Arriving back in the Tower, Leah changed into everyday clothes and lay on her sofa.
“Gèng! What a day! What a week! We rock!”
“Indeed, I must insist however that you log out and have some nourishment and a shower before you do anything else.”
Leah was still smiling as she climbed out of her Pod and had a midnight snack. She had already messed up her timetable but what a win. After the food, Leah sat and meditated, just breathing and trying to find joy in: simply, being. She wrote in her diary, left her room and walked outside. She did several laps of the Pod building to stretch her legs. Her muscles were tender. Again she mentioned it to Gèng.
“Everything I’ve read suggests that it isn’t common but can happen if people have their Pod set to excessively stimulate their muscles. I’ve checked, and the sensitivity level is at the correct setting. I’ve reviewed reports of other Pod users and would suggest you are far more active than most users and have had greater muscle stimulation than a highly active person may expect. The research suggests that the experience isn’t harmful and may in fact cause you to have increased muscle tone and mass. Several noted athletes have set their stimulation levels to twi
ce the usual rate. The only suggestions I have are that you either eat more or ask me to reduce the muscle stimulation intensity.”
Leah finished three circuits and had a second snack. After a second shower, she returned to the Pod. Materialising in the Tower, she looked to see if Gèng had made any further changes. Leah wasn’t sure, but she thought the room looked smaller and less like a Chinese Temple. When questioned, Gèng admitted to the changes explaining that further reading on the psychology of environment had been the catalyst for the change. Leah wandered around looking at Gèng’s choice of material that it had turned into paintings. She saw herself fighting different people and creatures, in one she was bowing to the Queen and another showed her smiling with her friends at the Inn.
Today she planned to visit the auction site and hopefully find a good broker. She asked if Gèng would do it, but Gèng explained that Personal AIs were not permitted to act financially, except under explicit instructions; they could only advise. She suggested Gèng review what was available and be ready to make detailed suggestions when she went to the auction house.
Leah attended all four college subjects and was pleased with the pace of the classes. She couldn’t understand why people had such a difficult time until she remembered she how the other kids could mess up so completely in school and not learn anything, it was often intentional. After the classes, she still had forty-five minutes real time before she was due to meet Wisp. She had another snack, a shower and then knowing that her mother would be awake she spent some time just touching base with her family; her father had been able to buy the fishing spot, and her brother was learning how to fish. Finally, back in the pod, she equipped her starter clothing and entered the Dunyanin portal. Wisp was already in the room.
“So Leah what are your plans? We’ve paid up until tomorrow morning at the Inn; we either need to pay some more or think about moving on. I need to go to the Auction house, and I need get my gear fixed; it has too many tears and burns. The durability is almost gone on some of the gear.”
Leah quietly sat until Wisp finished talking then said, “How about some lunch, a trip to the markets to fix our gear and sell some stuff. I want to buy some camping gear and maybe look for a mount. Let’s just spend all afternoon looking around and preparing. Let’s have dinner together at the Inn and listen to the whole room talk about us and not know we are present.”
