World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive

by M. A. Carlson

“A percentage of the funds acquired will go to the Order. That is what helps to pay for the Raid and the consumables. What’s left will get paid out,” Olaf answered.

  Hodge nervously asked, “What percentage?”

  Micaela actually answered this time, “Thirty-five percent goes to the Order. The rest gets paid out equally. We’ve taken in almost eight thousand gold. That means all of you will be getting a rather sizable payday.”

  “What about the alternates?” Rodger asked. I assumed he was thinking about Icy and Fiery when he asked that.

  “They get the same share as everyone else,” Olaf stated. “They are halting their own adventuring to wait for a chance they might get to replace someone in the raid without any promise of reward. The least we can do is cut them in on a share of the money.”

  Not everyone looked happy about it, but no one complained. I couldn’t help doing a little mental math to see just how much we were going to be paid. Thirty-five percent of almost eight thousand gave Olaf and Micaela around twenty-eight hundred gold, more than enough to repay me for the potions I purchased in Root City and still have the majority of it left over. That left almost fifty-two hundred to be split with twenty-eight players. I could live with an extra one hundred and eighty-five gold, give or take. And that was just for a few days of work. Granted, I could probably make more if I just made skill and spell scrolls all day but that was neither here nor there.

  Olaf continued, “Anyway, let’s get back to the camp and turn in this quest. It’s early enough that we can make it back to Hurligville before dark.”

  About two hours later we stood as a collective group in front of Mack. The old paranoid couldn’t help but give us a hard time. “And you are sure none of you were turned?”

  “No, Mack,” Olaf said for the fourth time. “None of us were turned. You were there. You should know.”

  “Ah, but I left as soon as the Phylactery was destroyed. There might have still been a few undead lurking around,” Mack argued.

  Olaf sighed. “There weren’t, and we didn’t run into any on the way back here.”

  Mack hummed in thought, studying Olaf then the rest of us. “I suppose,” he finally said, nodding once and prompting the long-awaited message.

  Raid Quest: The Tower of Reksoni (Recommended Level 25-30, Recommended Adventurers 15-25) – Completed!

  The Tower of Reksoni has been invaded by the Lich Xan and the cult of Xan. Due to the presence of the lich, the undead have undoubtedly taken residence in the roost of the Ancient Dragon Reksoni, raised the dragon’s servants and will doubtlessly be trying to raise the dragon himself. Assemble an army, destroy the Lich’s followers, and destroy the Lich. The fate of the World Tree depends on it.

  Reward: +500,000-Experience, Dragoon’s Light Grips, Gravestone of Rebirth, Friend of Flatlands Camp (‘Local Hero’ title now includes Flatlands Camp)

  I wanted to ask about the ‘Gravestone of Rebirth’ but another message popped up first.

  Congratulations! You’ve reached level 30!

  +1 to bonus Holy Spells, +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +2 Intellect, +1 Charisma

  “What is this Gravestone?” Micaela asked.

  Mack looked a little hesitant before he answered, “Mind you, I do not know if this is the truth. But I once heard the Gravestone of Rebirth can be placed in any graveyard. And in doing so, it will bring back the dead.”

  “Like the undead we just fought?” Olaf asked, looking appalled by the suggestion. “Why would anyone ever do that?”

  Mack frowned. “No, no, not like that. Like you. It will allow a citizen of the World Tree, like me, to come back to life if we die prematurely. Though I recently heard it only works if we are a member of your Order.” He then sighed wistfully, “if it is true . . . I could return to the life of adventure I so loved in my youth. Adventure that I learned to avoid as I aged. And now, in my later years . . . oh how I miss those days.” Mack shook the thought away. “Again, I do not know if it is true . . . but there you have it.”

  Micaela nodded vigorously then asked, “And do you want to join our Order?”

  Mack furrowed his brow then shook his head. “No, no. I cannot. I have my duty to watch over that tower,” he said, pointing toward the looming tower of Reksoni.

  “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us,” Micaela offered.

  “Much appreciated,” Mack said. “Oh, and if you are so inclined. The Flatlands Camp would not decline if you wished to place an Order Request Board here. Folks around here know you can be trusted.”

  “We’d be happy to,” Micaela said. I imagined she received some kind of prompt or quest for the Order that the rest of us didn’t get to see.

  Mack nodded, “Excellent. With all the Undead still roaming the province, we will need all the help we can get eliminating them.”

  “And we have plenty of adventurers looking for quests,” Olaf replied, then added, “Though, having a portal would help. Now that the Lich has been dealt with, do you think the portal will reopen?”

  Mack nodded. “Within a day or two, I should think. I can’t say I have ever heard of a province portal opening so soon after being closed.”

  Now, I had a question. “Do portals reopen on their own?”

  “With time,” Mack answered. “Sometimes, they reopen in a few years. Sometimes, a few centuries.”

  It made me wonder if Epic just got bored with those provinces. Or was there some other mechanic involved? “What about the portals in the surrounding provinces? Would they have been closed if we failed?”

  Mack shrugged. “It depends. If the nearby provinces were strong enough to keep it contained, then no. Hurligville was definitely not strong enough without you adventurers intervening. It probably would have been overrun in a few more weeks. The other surrounding provinces probably would have been able to contain the invasion well enough, though there is never any guarantee.”

  I nodded. It made sense to me.

  “Anyway, I should go write up my reports,” Mack said with a sigh. “I hate bureaucracy.”

  Seeing we were dismissed, Olaf organized us and the pack mules to return to Hurligville. When we crossed the border, I was relieved to see the new province description.

  Hurlig Ridge – Order of Epic Grinders Territory – Level 1-10

  Hurlig Ridge is a forested area with a mountain ridgeline bordering the northern edge of the area. This relatively peaceful province has recently survived an undead invasion from the nearby Hurlig Flatlands province killing off most of the wildlife. To fill the void, beasts have been filtering in from nearby provinces, including giant spiders, large tree pythons, and red hawks.

  The level difficulty had reduced from where it was when we arrived, but it was still more varied than the first time I’d visited the province. More interesting was that the province was listed as Order territory. I took a few steps back across the border to see if anything was different there.

  Hurlig Flatlands – Level 25-35

  The Hurlig Flatlands is a rocky and desolate territory, rendered dead centuries ago by the dragon Reksoni. Since the defeat of the Lich Xan in her failed attempt at raising an army of the undead, this province has continued to struggle with the throngs of undead Kobolds and the remnants of her army.

  The level remained the same but there was no Chaos Invasion warning to be seen. I suppose it was to be expected.

  Rose startled me slightly when she asked, “See anything, Jack?”

  I shook my head, “No, looks like the provinces are safe again.”

  “Good,” Rose said with a firm nod. “Then let’s go. I can’t wait to hear what Trinico is waiting to tell us.”

  I smiled at her. I was really glad she was there with me.

  Hurlig Ridge immediately didn’t seem as dark and gloomy as it was when we left. The trees looked healthier, an exceptionally large python in one of the trees was alive and well. Though we may have looked like food to it, the beast was wise enough not to attack anyone in our party,
unlike the undead wolf we came across a few minutes later.

  And then there was Hurligville. The guards at the gate didn’t look as frazzled or panicked as they had been the last time we were there. They seemed to be calm and attentive. More importantly, the drawbridge was down as if there were no longer any threats to the town.

  The guards waved us through, some of them snapping off smart salutes of respect or bowing their heads in reverence. It was a little unsettling, even if it was so much better than it had been previously. Even the townsfolk seemed to have come out of their homes, letting children play in the streets again. Whenever one of the children saw us, they whispered to a nearby friend excitedly. I even overheard one little girl gush about seeing ‘The Rose Thorns’ and ‘her beautiful Rose Shield’. It made me smile. It felt like we were being given a hero’s welcome . . . which I supposed that was exactly what we were to these people.

  “I really like this place so much better when it isn’t so dark and gloomy,” Heath commented in his normal lazy way. “Glad we were able to save it.”

  I don’t think anyone could disagree with that.

  Sergeant Butters met us outside the temple and guided us inside. Trinico’s head was bowed in prayer before an altar for a god I didn’t recognize. When she stood . . . she floated up and turned to face us, her eyes glowing with that same turquoise color.

  “Mortals, I thank you for destroying that foul creature. It shall suffer eternally trapped within that tower. May you adventurers forever torment her soul. I am the Goddess Morana. You have done . . . well.” Trinico settled back to the floor and the glow faded. The Priestess then fainted, falling back only to be caught by Sergeant Butters.

  The Sergeant asked softly to his wife, “Alright, love?”

  “I am alright,” Trinico promised, placing a calming and loving hand on her husband’s cheek. She took a deep breath and stood under her own strength, no longer supported by the Sergeant. “I apologize. I had hoped to greet you first. Unfortunately, the Gods and Goddesses follow their own schedules.”

  Micaela took the short pause in Trinico’s speech to ask, “Are you really alright? You didn’t look so good earlier.”

  “I am fine,” Trinico promised. “Just tired. I shall go rest soon. First, I also must thank you. And second, perhaps more importantly, I must reward you. Thanks to the Goddess, I can do just that.”

  Raid Quest: Destroying the Phylactery of Xan (Recommended Level 25-30, Recommended Adventurers 15-25) – Completed!

  High Priestess Trinico has enlisted your company to assist her in locating and destroying the Phylactery of the Lich Xan.

  Reward: +500,000-Experience, Charm of the Lonely Deities

  Now that was interesting.

  Charm of the Lonely Deities - +20-Intellect, +40-Wisdom – Equipping will teach ‘Lore’ subskill ‘Deities’ 0/1,000

  It reminded me I still hadn’t even looked at the gloves Mack rewarded me. I opened my inventory and equipped them. The gloves were mostly leather stained a royal blue. On the back of the hand were finely linked chains color in a metallic yellow, either bronze or brass, I wasn’t sure which. These would be considered light chainmail.

  Equipment Slot

  Name

  Armor/Damage

  Hands:

  Holy Dragoon's Light Grips

  +65 Armor

  Bonus Stats: +20-Strength, +40-Dexterity, +20-Stamina, +20-Intellect, +20-Holy Spell Damage

  Trinico spoke again, pulling me away from looking at my first bit of mystic quality armor, she said, “Again, thank you all. You have done the World Tree a service. Now, if you will excuse me, I must rest.” She looked back to her husband, “David, if you would, please help me home.”

  Sergeant Butters nodded and set to the task with a gentleness I didn’t know the old soldier possessed.

  I wanted very much to ask if she knew anything about the charm and the subskill it taught but held my tongue. Trinico has more than earned her rest. Still, I equipped the charm anyway. There was no sense in letting such stat boosts go to waste. I didn’t even know it was possible to learn subskills from Charms, let alone profession subskills.

  “Pay attention, we have something to discuss,” Olaf said loudly enough to get the attention of the players, including a few unassociated players that were lingering in the temple. Seeing the extra attention, he amended, “Let’s go back to the Order House. We can talk there.”

  I wasn’t sure what Olaf wanted to talk about, but I followed along. Once inside, he led us down the stairs to an as yet unassigned floor. It was barren but clean and well lit.

  Once everyone was present, Olaf began, “First, let me just say you all did extremely well. I don’t expect later attempts on other raid dungeons to be so easy, especially as we level up. Second, we have been given a golden opportunity. No one but us knows about this new Raid Dungeon. It is a prime opportunity to farm experience, gold, and gear, but only if we’re the only ones that know about it. I know everyone is eager to post videos and you’re welcome to. I only ask that you not include any information about where the Tower of Reksoni is located. If possible, don’t even mention the name Reksoni.”

  There were several excited whispers from the players around me. Olaf continued, “I know we won’t be able to keep it a secret forever. Other players will eventually enter the Hurlig Flatlands and learn about the raid dungeon, but the longer we can control that dungeon, the better we can gear and equip our members. I can’t say for certain, but I got the feeling the raid can only be cleared once per session and only by one group. That means once it’s been cleared, no one else can clear it until it resets. That could be in a week or a month, we just don’t know. Third, I need a few volunteers to quest in the Flatlands until the Raid Dungeon resets. That means you’ll need to check the raid daily to see if it has reset. I will of course, supplement your time. So, if anyone is interested, come see me in my office upstairs later.”

  “I think that’s about it. Does anyone have any questions before I call the raid to an end?” Olaf asked, pausing to look around. “Alright, if there is nothing else, go have some fun. You’ve all earned it.”

  With that a cheer went up and the raid dispersed, names and health bars began disappearing from my UI as players went about their business.

  “Well, that was fun,” Olaf said once it was just the eight of us left. The eight being, Rose, Baby, Arch, Heath, Pwn, Olaf, Micaela, and myself.

  “Yeah, it was,” Micaela quickly agreed. “And we get to do it again. I’m so excited.”

  Pwn snorted, “You’re always excited. Anyway, I’ve only got a couple of days until logoff. I think I’m going to go find some PvP action.”

  “No murdering please,” Olaf said in warning.

  Pwn waved him off, “I know, I know.”

  That reminded me of a quest I still needed to complete. “Hold up, Pwn. I have a quest you might be interested in helping Rose, Baby, and me with.”

  Pwn halted his departure to look at me with a raised eyebrow. “Oh, and what’s that, Jacko?”

  I gave him a quick rundown and he nodded along. “Alright, I’m in. Sounds like it could be fun.”

  Baby commented, “It’s just three of them. Can’t be that much fun for you.”

  Pwn snorted. “Oh, you silly naïve girl. Players like that are usually part of a much larger group. Those four might have been the ringleaders or they might have just been pawns. Either way, there is potential for a lot of fun.”

  “Count me in as well,” Heath volunteered, which was good because I was going to need him anyway. He was our ticket into the Thieves’ Guild, and the information we needed to find the Sprites.

  “And me,” Rose said.

  Olaf winced when I looked to him, he started, “I would, mate, I really would, but Mic and I have a ton of Order stuff to deal with and I really want to get my professions up to snuff so I can make those new hand-cannons and that cannon. Not to mention finding a crew.”

  “Yeah, sorry, Bye-bye,”
Micaela added.

  I wasn’t surprised by Olaf and Micaela declining. They did have a lot of extra work now that they had an Order to run. “it’s all good. I appreciate the thought.”

  I looked to Arch, now that she was the only one who hadn’t said anything. “I want to come, but . . . I really should report to my Goddess. I have a completed quest and . . . well, you know. Then I’m going to try to level up my profession a little more before I need to log out.”

  I did indeed know. I still had my own quest related to the mess in the Hurlig Flatlands to turn in. Realizing she was waiting for me to say something, I quickly replied, “Again, all good, I do indeed understand.”

  “Thanks, Bye-bye. I can’t wait to adventure with you again,” Arch said, bowing her head. “I’ll . . . I’ll just be going now. I hope I get to join you again next month.”

  “See you around, Arch,” Olaf said, giving her a small wave. “Mic and I should get to our own work.”

  “Yeah,” Micaela agreed. “I also need to find our daughter and Vision. I want to hear all about her adventures and his.”

  “Alright, have fun, catch up with you later,” I said, a sentiment echoed by the others.

  “So, where are we going?” Rose asked.

  Baby answered for me, “First, we need to get Rodger, Icy, and Fiery. It’s their quest as well. Second, we need to go to the Thieves’ Guild so Heath can get us some information on the whereabouts of the thieves.”

  Pwn grinned wickedly, “And then we get to hunt them down. This is going to be fun.”

  We found all three of Baby’s fellow Fairies in the lobby looking at the quest board. They quickly agreed to join us. They were all eager to resolve their problems with the Royal Fairy Tree.

  “So we’re going after the bad guys, right?” Rodger asked with far too much excitement.

  I chuckled. “That’s right. We’ll head to Root City now and-”