Arch started to cast but it was already too late. Parts of the statue started falling away, hitting the floor, and shattering even further into a fine black dust. In less than a few seconds, the statue was gone.
Micaela dropped to her knees with tears in her eyes, her hands gently touched the fine sand. Then she turned sharply to glare at Pwn. She hissed angrily, “You, this is your fault!”
“Serves them right,” Pwn said, looking ready for a fight, the telltale signs of a spell beginning to form.
Olaf was again about to intervene only to suddenly stop. I was confused until I followed his line of sight. I felt a smile gently curl at the corners of my mouth. I moved to Micaela’s side and put a hand on her shoulder, getting a sharp look of anger only for that anger to fade quickly as she followed my gaze.
“Bye-bye,” she nearly sobbed.
I knew there was nothing I could really say, but I hoped that what Olaf and I saw would make up for it. “Look,” I said, motioning to where the statue once stood.
Micaela gasped and rushed forward.
In the place where the black obelisk once stood, a pair of spectral figures had now taken its place.
Stopping just short of the ghostly pair, Micaela said, “Homer? Margie?”
The ghosts of the former Mayor and his wife smiled at Micaela but said nothing. Instead, the pair joined hands. A supernatural wind swirled through the black dust that used to be the statue, obscuring the ghosts from view for only a moment. When the wind faded, the black dust was gone as were Homer and Margie.
Micaela sniffled and smiled. “Good, I’m glad they’ll be okay.”
I half expected Arch to have a few sniffles. Maybe even Rose. Seeing and hearing Pwn sniffle and wipe away a few tears really surprised me.
“It’s okay, big guy,” I teased.
Pwn looked at me seriously. There was no anger or humor. “Don’t you see it,” he said, pointing to where the ghosts were. “Loot, there’s loot,” he said, wiping away a fake tear. Unable to remain serious, he cackled gleefully. “And it’s about time.”
On the floor at Micaela’s feet was now a small pile of items.
I sighed. I should have known that would be Pwn’s primary concern. “Just give Micaela a minute, then we’ll sort out the loot,” I said, resigned that Pwn was just . . . well, Pwn.
“First,” Olaf started, then lifting up a plague bearing a trio of exceptionally large brown and gold feathers. “Majesty of the Condor. I do believe this is what we came for,” he said, handing it over to Micaela.
“What’s does it do?” I asked curiously.
“Don’t know,” Micaela replied. “The description says it’s Prestige to be displayed in an Order House. The description says, ‘Effect dependent on display location.’ I guess I’ll need to experiment with it and see what happens.”
“Can’t wait,” I said, interested in the effects.
“Bottomless hip flask,” Olaf said, holding up a silver flask. “Can store an unlimited amount of liquid and attach to a belt for easy access,” he read the description aloud.
A bottomless hip flask didn’t sound bad at all. I could fill it with a lot of mana, stamina, or health restoratives. On top of that, it could attach to my belt, which meant no more looking through my bag for my canteens or thermoses. This was something that would benefit everyone.
“I’m guessing this is something everyone is interested in except for maybe Mic,” Olaf continued, looking at the rest of us for confirmation. “Alright, I’ll come back to this. Next up,” he paused to lift out a scroll. “Void Frost Burn, Pwn, I’m guessing this is for you.”
“Void Frost Burn?” Pwn questioned but looked hesitant as he gazed longingly at the flask that sat on the ground. He cursed. “Fine, yes, give it to me.”
Olaf chortled and chucked the scroll at the Mage.
Olaf lifted another scroll. “Reflect,” he read aloud then scratched his head. “I’m not sure what this one does.”
“If it’s what I think it is, then it’s mine,” Rose quickly said. “I read about a skill with that name in the forums. I know the forums can’t always be trusted, but if it is what the person claimed, then this is a great skill for me. It’s a damage reflect ability. Supposedly, it will let me reflect a small percentage of the damage I take back at whoever attacks me.”
Olaf briefly looked to the rest of us before handing it over.
“Moving on,” Olaf said, picking up a white shirt with ruffled cuffs. “Lothario’s Shirt,” Olaf said with a laugh then tossed it toward Heath. “It’s a shirt with Charisma bonuses when worn by a man.”
“Nice,” Heath said, equipping the shirt causing it to immediately appear under his leather jacket. It made Heath look like something crossed between a hipster and a rock and roller.
“Last up, Hurligville Mayor’s Badge,” Olaf said, holding it out toward his wife. “Says it belongs to the appointed or elected leader of Hurligville. I’m guessing this is part of the city management stuff.”
“Thanks,” Micaela said, taking the badge and studying it for a moment before slipping it into her bag.
“Which brings us back to the flask,” Olaf said, holding up the small silver alcohol container. “If you got something, I think it’s safe to say, you’re eliminated from contention. That leaves, Bye-bye, Arch, and me. Now, I don’t often need to drink Stamina or Mana mid-fight like the two of you do, so I’ll take myself out of contention as well. Arch, Bye-bye?”
“You should give it to Bye-bye,” Arch said first. “I got something in the last few fights we’ve been in.”
While I couldn’t argue with that, I also knew it would benefit Arch more. “I appreciate that, but this will benefit you more. Easy access to mana during a fight means more to a healer.”
Arch looked hesitant, “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. When the time comes and something drops that I can really use, you best believe I’ll be claiming it,” I promised. I knew I absolutely would. It had been a long while since I had last received any loot. I was overdue for something good to drop.
“So, now what?” Rose asked.
Olaf sighed. “We should probably get Sergeant Butters or Trinico and tell them what happened. Maybe get both of them.”
“I’ll see if I can find the Sergeant,” Rose volunteered, running off before anyone could stop her.
“I suppose I’ll see if I can get Trinico,” I said, and following Rose’s lead, I ran off to do just that before they could stop me.
Trinico was thankfully standing at her pulpit, consulting with a player. The temple appeared empty. Though I supposed most players were more interested in the Order house even if they couldn’t get in. I was sure a lot of them were outside of town, grinding for as much experience as they could, and just hoping that would make a good impression, come interview time.
Thankfully, the player,
“Bye-bye, good to see you,” Trinico greeted me with a kind smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I need you to come with me to the town hall,” I said. I wasn’t sure how much information to give her.
Trinico studied me for a moment then nodded. “I suppose Homer has done something foolish once again.”
I frowned. “It’s worse than that.”
Trinico nodded and followed me quickly into the streets.
“What do you mean, Homer is dead?” Sergeant Butters voice greeted us as we joined my friends.
“Calm, husband, calm,” Trinico said, soothing the angry sergeant. Then turning to Micaela, she asked calmly, “Please, tell us what has happened to Homer?”
Micaela did just that. Starting with the reason we went to see the Mayor, then how we heard Homer pleading with Margie, and how the two undead emerged from the office. She didn’t elaborate much on the details of the fight except to say it was a tough battle. And finally, she told them how the two found peace.
Trinico nodded
solemnly at the end, “I hope they find peace in their next life.”
“I think they did,” Micaela said, wiping away a tear. I could see she was still broken up about the whole thing.
“I do not mean to be crass,” Sergeant Butters interrupted. “But we have another problem that must be addressed. We are currently without a Mayor.”
Micaela sniffled one more time before she pulled out the Mayor’s Badge and showed it to the Sergeant and Trinico. “This was dropped when he . . . passed on. Do I give this to you?”
Sergeant Butters shook his head vigorously and backed away from the badge as though it were a cursed object. “No, thank you, but no. I have no interest in . . . politics. I am a soldier. I will always be a soldier. No, you need to either appoint someone as the new Mayor or hold an election,” he explained, looking pointedly at Micaela. “Afterall, as the only Order within the village of Hurligville, all its functions are now under your purview.”
Olaf groaned and rubbed his face only to complain, “And just how do we do that?”
“I am no expert, but I do believe you should have an Order Management system, part of which includes city management. This gives you the ability to assign people of the city to specific jobs, including Mayor,” Trinico answered helpfully. “I am afraid I do not know much more than that.”
“Okay, got it,” Micaela said, her eyes focused on something none of the rest of us could see. I guessed she was working through her UI. Eventually she groaned. “This might take a while,” she said looking at the rest of us apologetically.
“Alright, Mic and I will see if we can figure this out,” Olaf started, then suggested, “Why don’t the rest of you go see Barnum for that other Prestige?”
“A lovely idea,” Trinico said. “Miss Arch, if you have a moment, I could use your assistance with something in the temple.”
“Of course,” Arch volunteered immediately, then looked at the rest of us and apologized, “Sorry, she just offered me a class quest. I need to go.”
“Handle your business,” Olaf said.
“Well, I need a drink,” Pwn said. “Rickards, why don’t we go to Doc B’s for a drink. See if you can use that Bard nonsense of yours to get us a few free.”
Heath chuckled and said, “Now, that might just be the best idea you’ve ever had, Pwn.”
“Well then, I am around if you need me,” Sergeant Butters stated. “However, I need to get back to work. After that last attack, there is still a lot of work to be done.”
“We understand,” I said with a nod.
“I guess that just leaves you and me,” Rose said, quickly taking my arm and marching me down the street in awkward silence. I half expected her to start drilling me immediately, but she was eerily silent. Not that I was going to complain about that, I still didn’t know what I wanted to say.
When we came to the old leatherworker’s shop, it was just as I remembered, even the scent of the butchers just across the way. Inside Barnum hadn’t changed much. His slicked mustache and hair still looked far too fancy to be a simple leatherworker.
“Bye-bye Jacko and Rose Thorns,” Barnum greeted us each by name as we entered. “Well now, so good to see you both again. And much stronger at that. It is good, Hurligville needs your strength now more than ever,” he trailed off, lost in thought. With a small shake of his head, he said, “Sorry, it’s been dark days. But you are surely not here to listen to my worries. How can I help you both today?”
I was tempted to prompt him to tell me about his worries. That old thrill of digging out a quest was right on the tip of my tongue. And yet, I refrained. I could worry about digging out quests later.
“Anything specific bothering you?” Rose asked, surprising me.
Barnum frowned, “I wouldn’t want to bother someone of your level with something so petty.”
Seeing as Rose opened the door, I didn’t hesitate any longer. “So why not ask the Order for help? There will be adventurers with a suitable level in the Order capable of helping out.”
Barnum rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “You know, that might just work. Thank you for the suggestion. I will be sure to stop by after I close up shop for the day.”
“We’ll let Micaela know you’re coming,” Rose said with a smile.
Barnum returned the smile and looked much more relaxed. “Right, I am sure you did not come just to help this old leatherworker. What can I help you with?”
“The ‘Lion King’s Pride’,” I started. “When we got that Ridgeback Lion for you a few months ago, it was listed as one of our rewards. Now that we have an Order House here in Hurligville, we figured it was time to come get it.”
“Ah, right, I heard about that as well,” Barnum said, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. “If you like, I can drop it off when I go to speak with your Order’s leadership about my . . . quest.”
“That would be great,” Rose said.
“Was there anything else you needed my assistance with?” Barnum asked.
Rose answered quickly with a, “Nope,” and proceeded to drag me out of the shop. She surprised me again when she didn’t drag me back to the inn and to our room to interrogate me. Instead, she pulled me along with her and right out of the village all together. She wouldn’t answer any of my questions and only stopped to give a wave to the Sergeant and wait on the drawbridge to drop and let us out.
We didn’t get far when the first undead wolf attacked and was promptly destroyed as were the next half a dozen as Rose led us north of the village only stopping when we got to the river. She surprised me yet again when a blanket and picnic basket appeared from her inventory.
I looked around at the gloomy woods that were covered in webs and the dreary sky overhead and I wondered just what she was thinking.
“Don’t give me that look,” Rose said. “We haven’t done anything just the two of us in awhile. I know it’s not exactly picturesque, but it’s something. So, are you going to sit and eat with me or are you going to complain about the scenery?”
I quickly answered, “I’m going to enjoy a picnic in the woods with my girlfriend.” I knew that if I had given any other answer, things would not have ended well for me.
“Good answer,” Rose said, patting my cheek. “Now help me with this blanket,” she said, tossing the red and black plaid blanket at me.
The picnic was simple, and Rose was right about it being nice to just spend a little time together.
As we laid on the blanket, Rose finally spoke. “I’m sorry you’re so frustrated with things.”
“Thanks,” I said. I expected a ‘but’, but it never came. Rose was just there for me. She said exactly the right thing at exactly the right time. She expressed empathy without pushing for anything. After a little more time of just being, I said more, “I wish I could say this game was still fun . . . and sometimes it is fun. Being with you and our friends is great. It’s a dream come true in a lot of ways. But at the same time, it’s a nightmare. If I fail, people will suffer. Real people. And who knows if Epic is going to keep his word when this is all said and done. I know this isn’t anything new and I’ve probably said the same thing to you a dozen times or more. But I’m scared. I’m scared of letting you down. Of letting everyone down.”
Rose snuggled in closer, hugging me a little tighter. “No matter what happens, we just keep fighting,” Rose said. “I’m not giving up. And when that little brat loses once and for all. We never need to come back to the World Tree again.”
“Is that what you want?” I asked. I hadn’t considered what I would want to do if we won. What if I beat Epic and put an end to his insanity? Would I stop playing the World Tree? It really gave me pause. Would I stop playing? What would my world look like without the World Tree? What would I do with myself? There were no jobs out there for me, or at least none that I wanted. Sure, I had money and could live comfortably, especially with what Dawson was paying me to stop Epic. But what would I do with myself? Could I go back to the way things were before? Or would I be
waiting for the next generation of games again?
Rose didn’t answer right away. “I . . . I don’t know. I mean, without the World Tree, I don’t really have anything going on. I don’t have a job waiting. Babs is getting married and moving on with her life, next thing you know she’ll be having kids. I suppose I have you, but I don’t know if just being your girlfriend is enough of a life. I think . . . if we did decide to leave behind the World Tree forever, we would just end up waiting for the next game. Preferably one that didn’t have Epic messing with us from behind the scenes.”
“What if I said I wanted to keep playing World Tree, just without all the drama of Epic?” I asked.
Rose hummed in thought then kind of shrugged. “I’d be okay with that. I do love this world. I love having something to do,” she said, pausing for a moment. “I suppose, this world gives me a purpose beyond just existing.”
And just like that, she put into words what I’d been feeling. This world gave me a purpose beyond just surviving. In truth, I was thriving in this world. I’d found a purpose beyond just trying to defeat Epic. I’d found adventure and a life. Sure, eventually I might grow bored of this existence, but that could take years. I still wanted to climb to the very top of the World Tree.
“I feel the same way,” I finally said. “This world is . . . amazing. And I’m not ready to leave it behind. I know that might change by the time we finally beat Epic . . . if we beat Epic. But for now, I just want to continue enjoying it.”
“Okay, then please don’t get angry with what I’m going to say next,” Rose started, lifting her head off my chest to look me in the eyes. “Stop. There is nothing you can do about what’s happening in the real world. The only thing you can do is play this game to the absolute best of your ability. If you keep letting the real-world weigh on you, you’re going to make mistakes . . . more and more mistakes. And if that continues, you will lose to Epic. So, stop worrying and just play the game. If you can do that, I think you’ll start having fun again. And when you’re having fun, you kind of kick ass. And if you ever tell anyone I said that, sharing a bed with me for the next month is off the table.”
World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive Page 36
