Player Reached the Top. LitRPG series. Book I Page 14

  “So how did you catch that which you can’t take away yours by force, only by consent of he who found it? And how did you learn where a new part of the old you will appear?”

  “As to the first question…” The Dealer’s face grew dark. “I learned it too late and paid a heavy price. Guided by my sense of direction, I came to a town in the country near the Disgraced Mountains, and that unknown witchcraft brought me to a troubled person. I decided to rob him, but forgot that all my skills, power, and experience had been lost. I could do nothing, and he started to beat me for attempted theft. I grabbed an iron rod from the ground and struck his head by accident.

  “Groggy and nauseous, I was. I felt as if a great part of my soul had been cut out. Literally. Just imagine you suddenly lost a year of life. And you do not know which year was stolen…”

  “God damn…” Raven felt a chill run through him.

  “That's how I realized I had to get that part of me by consent. Due to my accumulation, I could only do so much.” His voice shook with suffering and loss. Such punishment was like falling silently into madness. “Well, and as to your last question, I think you got it. I can’t loot ’em. Only after someone else finds it will I feel the location of the missing shard of my life.

  I was lucky when I visited the nearby grave of my friend. I’ve been damning this ancient sorcerer for long. I even don’t remember his name. But I wrapped my mind around it a few months ago. It’s my punishment for stealing parts of other people’s lives. Even those who died long, long ago.”

  “You’ve learned a unique history of one of legendary adventurers.

  Current attitude status: 5/400 trust.

  +10 Intelligence, +3 Luck, + 30 Influence Points.

  Learn difficult stories of other legendary adventurers.

  Awarded the title: “In dust of eras”

  + 7 Intelligence.

  Skill: History Eyes (Unique) let you look back in time. You will not be able to change, take anything, or leave.

  Required: 10 Influence Points / one day from the past.

  Cooldown: 15 days.

  Chapter 42. Pulling the chestnuts out of the fire for somebody

  Raven sat on the grass, reading the messages and digesting all the facts.

  “What an absurd skill! For Christ's' sake! Ten influence points? I’ve got enough, but ten… It might be possible to exchange one point at least for a golden item. Its benefit must be great…”

  The formerly most powerful and great adventurer sat next to him, reliving the tragic events of his life. The fellow looked at him, remembering his history … Snap.

  “Well… Dalta-aro …” Will gazed at the man, his eyes burning, craving profit.

  “I like neither your tone, nor your look. Frankly speaking, it seems to me you have conceived of something bad …” the adventurer answered in a chilly tone.

  “Daltaro! My dear friend! How could you think so little of me? I’d like to offer you some kind of cooperation. But I have one question, no, two....”

  “Ask away,” the adventurer replied, his eyes narrowing.

  “Can I use your skill and knowledge for myself, after learning this story?”

  “You …” Daltaro tensed up. The expression in his eyes did not augur well. “Why do you need to know that?”

  “Sorry, sorry. Just curious.”

  “You’re right. But I ain’t eager to answer. Ask another question.”

  “Ok. Why weren’t you afraid of wandering around this forest?”

  “Huh! What's there to be scared of? You haven’t caught on that I am very strong. I’ve collected almost all of my former knowledge and potential. More than enough to kill these miserable monsters.”

  “That's very good,” Will said. “What about entering into a contract for our mutually beneficial cooperation?”

  “I don’t understand what you are talking about.” Daltaro removed his hat, leaned against the tree, and scratched his head.

  “It’s easy. Your knowledge and skills, scattered everywhere, must be given voluntarily, right? So when a scrap of your life appears, I can buy or steal it instead of you, or in an extreme case, kill the owner in order to give it to you. Mind you, opportunities to find yours will get bigger.”

  “Um… I didn't come up with that on my own… I could employ somebody for such a case. After the first loss, I convinced myself that only I could solve my problem… What's your angle?”

  “It's simple. You’ve already seen my capabilities, so I need more strength. You see, I have a bunch of loose ends to tie over. So when we get them, over and done, we’ll gather your knowledge and experience. Think it over.”

  “I see your point. It is better than wandering alone and giving away items. Besides which, my supplies are running out. I agree!” Daltaro and Raven shook hands.

  “Congratulations!

  You’ve been able to motivate the adventurer to travel with you. If you break your word, you’ll die. You’ll lose all levels and inventory items earned during the travel with Daltaro. Your attitude status will fall to hostility.

  Remember: The legendary adventurer does not forgive betrayal.”

  They rose to their feet and looked round. Daltaro folded the little table and hid it in his ring. It was similar to the players’ rings of players, except it didn’t have a regeneration symbol.

  “Wait a moment! You have an inventory ring too?” Will wondered why he had not noticed this before.

  “I got it on one of my travels. A rare piece.” Daltaro stroked the ring.

  “I see. Do you feel any part of you?”

  “Not yet. They sometimes do not appear for months, and could be located anywhere from one end of the world to the other.”

  “Then let's get to work. By the way, are you a magician or a warrior?”

  “You’ll see.” Daltaro smiled. “Let's go to make you stronger…”

  Chapter 43. A great archer

  “Wait a moment. You did not ask me about my purposes and affairs…” The cursed shard appeared in his hand. “You know much more than me, so you could tell me about this?”

  The young man decided to use a convenient source of information especially as he had to get wise to the crystal.

  The man bent at his waist and examined the crystal. “M-mm… Perhaps, I knew about it once, but it’s necessary to collect the remains of my last greatness. Unfortunately, I can’t help you with the answer. Fortunately, other professionals can, and my memory of one in particular is restored. We should go to the capital of Adamarona, a country whose borders are a few thousand miles to the North. Are you ready to go there?”

  “A few thousand? How long will it take to get there?” Will could not leave the forest now. Searching for the box was his top priority, then cleaning the forest, and enlisting others on his way. Now he had a strong companion.

  Visiting the brotherhood would have to be postponed indefinitely. Moreover, he needed to go to Wald's Gorge in order to understand the whole picture. He sighed a deep sigh.

  “Not very long, actually. There’s a stationary teleport located in all the cities. The closest one is Naruk, only three miles from Skiavra. D’you know where it is?”

  “Yeah, I was there.”

  “All right then. I’ll have to charge this shard with cursed energy. In this forest, there are some infected places. All we have to do is find them. Shall we go?”

  “ Great plan.”

  The clan Rollin’ Dice.

  A rented base.

  After grinding in the Eternal Ashes Swamp, Mollie returned. This location was meant for 25 to 30 level players. Monsters were sent to their respawn point quickly. The swamp attracted them because of a gateway to the infected area that a solo player had accidentally discovered.

  As it turned out, it was possible to get a Silver Rank set suitable for any Magic Class. Items seldom dropped out, but she had one from a boss for two-three raids. Mollie’s class was “Warrior of Chaos”, and her set did not suit her. It had been collected for
mainly attacking magicians.

  She opened the rating to monitor that player’s level, out of curiosity. Mollie did not believe she would find him.

  The scrolls “Back and forth” they got were intended for the best players of their guild. The chance to get on the Floor above the third could earn them many bonuses. To waste such a rare opportunity was unreasonable. Unfortunately, those, who had used the scrolls, did not know the difference between an NPC and a player.

  Her assistant, Teynerk the Priest, approached her. “Maker! Urgent news! “One of ours found Ricky Armastrus.”

  “Wizard? Who did?”

  “Someone who likes sitting in a library even in the game.”

  “Oh, Lever. Gather everyone in the main hall in ten minutes. Tell ’em to run to stationary teleports. Get Lever in. I want him to tell us everything. If his info’s worthwhile, I’ll reward him.”

  “Gotcha! Done!”

  “Ricky Armastrus…” whispered Mollie. “Better than nothing.” She stamped her leg and headed to the main hall.

  Will received a message from Pak while they searched for the cursed aura and killing monsters.

  “Sorry I haven’t written you for so long, ‘cause problems. It’s connected with the guard. Please don’t tell anyone. As for the potions… Hold a little. Pay as usual. Three gold for a vial. =D.

  “As for the person adept at video cutting… sorry, but he’s too busy. We’re making a viral video. It will be explosive. It’d be better to look for a professional on your own. I offered, but he did not know that such videos would be so successful. We didn’t discuss price, but these pros cost a bunch. So think whether you need it.”

  Will thought of that. He already knew he wouldn’t have enough money. “Well, thanks for the potions,” he replied.

  Ten potions of health (weak) +100 Health Points within a minute, five potions of restoration of energy (weak) +50 Energy Points within a minute. These all cost thirty gold. Cheap enough, as on his Floor potions cost five gold per vial.

  His level was 52. When Will saw the adventurer using his bow, he knew things were about to get interesting. Daltaro was an archer. He shot arrows that struck monsters in their weakest spots.

  Daltaro evaded his enemies, but his arrows always found their targets. So focused were the monsters on him that they did not pay attention to Will. His damage had already reached considerable figures, the titles and skills directed to fight against enemies of higher levels than Raven.

  -420

  -457

  -640!

  It was a crit! A few minutes later, a 66 level forest dayler with a bone crest on its back like a wolverine died without inflecting any damage on its offender.

  They found the infected place while hunting beasts. They were at a waterfall more than forty feet in height, Its water imbued with violet smoke on the way down. There were seven forest daylers near the reservoir the waterfall flowed into. Raven hoped nothing unfriendly lived in the water. Any sudden attack would spoil everything.

  Raven told Daltaro that the crystal was able to put spirit of the infected to rest, so the adventurer had to divert some of the monsters’ attention onto himself.

  Will used “stealth”, and slipped through small spaces between the daylers. Then he activated Ambush Skill and blended into the foliage, choosing a bush thirty feet from the nearest animal. Nobody could see him, so he waited. When all the monsters attacked the archer, Will would begin.

  Daltaro climbed the tree and shot two of the monsters with one arrow, ricocheting it off one dayler’s bone ridge. As if searching for a flock of birds, the monsters looked around until they noticed the shooter waving at them.

  “Let’s roll!”

  Will was nearly laughed at the ridiculous scene before him.

  Within minutes, their task was done. The monsters gathered under the tree. The rogue snuck up behind them, chose one victim, and attacked from its back. The skill effect was terminated, but the dayler managed to dodge. Raven missed the blow of its sharp claws, then dragged the shard across its paw. The monster tried to strike with its other paw, then to bite him, but it was already dying.

  “Cursed shard (Unique)

  Loaded: 131/200.”

  Chapter 44. The capital of Adamarona

  After killing a second monster, Will cried out to Daltaro to relax. The cursed aura would be enough to recharging the crystal. Raven hesitated, wondering about the crystal’s ability to clean the lake. But it was worth trying.

  Having disposed of all the monsters, the two slowly approached the lake and scanned the area for enemies. Finding nothing, Will shipped the shard in water. And as soon as purple haze was absorbed, he took it back.

  “Cursed Shard (Unique).

  Loaded: 200/200.”​

  Will was eager to go further in the forest’s depths, marked by a large black spot on the map. “Daltaro, have you ever been there?” Will pointed in that direction.

  “No, can’t say I have.”

  “My next target’s there.”

  “What d’you need there?”

  “Well… to kill someone. Someone with another part of this piece of glass. Are you with me?”

  “Stop asking silly questions. We’ve established that I help you, you help me.” the adventurer answered.

  Will knelt by the corpses, reaping his rewards. After finishing, he stood with a smile. “Then let’s go to Skiavra.”

  “Done.”

  …

  It was quiet near the village gate of the village, and there were no monsters. Will went to his room to remove items from his inventory. Gold coins had gradually accumulated, warming his soul. He wondered if he looked like a leprechaun admiring the pot he guarded.

  The journey to Neya city went smoothly. Will could, at last, kill ligers and collect their tusks, to hand over when he came back. More money and two skins dropped from them upon their defeat.

  Nevertheless, Will was mistaken. This forest was not edgeless. When they saw a gleam between huge trunks, Raven reasoned that the longest day of his lives had ended. So had the forest!

  They stood in an open space, with a beautiful view of a faraway city that opened up before the young man. During their campaign, he had raised one more level and was ecstatic at having cooperated with the strong archer.

  Will decided to reach the teleport quicker, so he ran forward, shouting for Daltaro to follow him. He stood still, smiling like a child who had bragged to an adult the fact that he had learned to walk. Then, Daltaro stretched, broke into a sprint, ran ahead of Will, and waved with his hand not to lag behind.

  “Wow. What kind of monsters live here?” he asked.

  Their short jog came to an end when Will ran up to the big stone gate. A small aperture was open for carts and long queues of people. Guardians asked each traveler an unheard question at the entrance, and then let them go.

  Thirty minutes later, it was their turn. Raven was tired of waiting. It was worse than beating that damned rat for ten hours.

  At last, they appeared before the guardians, who looked upon him with awe and wonder.

  “White Raven?” one guardian said.

  “Yes.”

  “It is pleasant to make your acquaintance. We’ve heard so much about you. You are said to have killed a cannibal was as high as a mountain on your own. Is it true?” Those around them looked interested, but what the guardian was saying was nonsense.

  “It must be those rumors… In the description, no one said rumors would be truthful. Ah-ha-ha. Unexpected, but interesting.”

  “Yes!” Will answered, hitting himself in the chest. “I’ve participated in many events. But I’m too busy for sharing stories. I wonder if you will let me and my mate through.”

  “Yes, of course. How long will you be here?

  “We need the teleport.”

  “All is clear. You are welcome. Next!” After shaking hands, the guardians passed them through the gate.

  “Congratulations! You’re the first to have visited Neya ci
ty.

  +25 Influence Points;

  +2% XP on this territory,

  +1 Intelligence.”

  “Oh, constant increase? Well done!” Will said.

  The companions asked passers-by where the portal was, and ten minutes later they arrived in a small square. There were many people bustling around, with only one guard with a bored face standing near the portal. He occasionally operated the button on one side of the round machine where a blue film of the portal flickered.

  “Where to?” the guard asked, distracted from his undoubtedly fascinating job.

  “To the Capital of Adamarona,” the young man answered.

  “Five gold per each of you.”

  “Dutch treat, of course.” Will dug into his inventory and handed coins to the guard.

  “What a scoundrel!” Daltaro replied, staring. “If we go to solve your problems, you’ll pay. If we go to solve my problems, I will. Do you know the meaning the word ‘cooperation’, White Raven?”

  “Fine,” Raven continued.

  Daltaro proceeded the portal, satisfied that he had put Will into his place.

  “In that case, you are to pay three gold, and I will add two.” Will suggested, holding his hand out to the adventurer.

  “You are… a greedy swine.” Daltaro grumbled.

  “Okay, okay, okay, fifty-fifty. My last offer. We’re holding up the line.”

  “But there’s nobody here!” the archer hissed, gesturing behind them.

  “Well, forget it then.” Will grinned.

  “Choke on it, Swine.” Daltaro gave up.