Player Reached the Top. LitRPG series. Book I Page 26

  “We had no choice. But we did not kill them quickly. Our magicians had been torturing them by putting ants and rats in their stomachs, burning their heels with fire, flaying the skin off their backs for ten days and nights. There isn't enough time in the day to list all the tortures they suffered.” The rogue inwardly hoped this would satisfy the Thaumaturge’s blood lust.

  “So many tortures?” The young man seemed greatly astonished. I merely suspended them on chains. I had no experience in torture…”

  Raven grinned. “If you have enemies, let us know, and we will surely share with you all the tortures we know.”

  Visarot shook his head. “I wish I had been there to watch it.”

  Will made the control shot. “As our task was fulfilled, though many years have passed, you promised to reward us.”

  “Contracts are a… a sacred thing. What did I promise you?”

  Raven beamed at the thaumaturge. “You promised me, as the commander of the party, two unique skills. For my people, you promised the diary for the memory of descendants, and everyone was guaranteed something from your collection of items and weapons.”

  The magician frowned. “Really? That's a lot I promised you?!”

  “Visarot, frankly speaking, you were in a rage when you made this offer. But we are reasonable people. Should we not profit from your enemies’ misery?”

  “Yes… I could, I could… probably...”

  “Well then, it’s time to pay us back for our good deed?”

  “I don’t remember our contract, but you saved this world from these conditions. I’ve done so much evil, but I think it’s time to leave these caves and to cleanse my soul.”

  “Yes, you do that. But at first, get square with us.” the rogue said, hoping to steer the conversation in the right direction.

  “Consider it done.”

  “System announcement!

  Attention! The Lost Time Labyrinth has no boss anymore. Thanks to the Rollin’ Dice clan and White Raven, Visarot leaves his possessions and goes to cleanse his soul. Now you can meet him in unexpected places.”

  Chapter 75. The stone head

  This announcement appeared before all the players of the Third floor. The Fortuna clan and others who had been defeated read this message and gnashed their teeth. What could happen if the boss of a Floor went for a walk around the world instead of being killed?

  Crimson Berserker could only shake his head and glance towards the dungeon. Now his enemy rating would rise, threatening their position.

  Still in a state of shock, the Rollin’ Dice never dreamed it could end this way.

  Every one of them received thirty points of Influence and the title “Diplomat Assistant,” adding +4 Intelligence and +6% to their chance to receive the hidden task!

  Mollie’s assistant piped up, “Leader, I do not know how, but now I support your desire to recruit this player for our clan. To pull something like this with the boss of the dungeon? Who would have thought it possible?”

  “I know,” Mollie answered, still processing this turn of events. “After our video, I can’t imagine what’s going on in all the dungeons.”

  “Some players will begin to talk with bugs, worms and other living creatures, trying to convince them that they come in peace.” The girl burst out laughing, picturing the scene. “Just imagine… ‘Hey, Bug, I come in peace! Fie!” The warrior choked on her laughter.

  The others smiled too. After their video was uploaded to the network, there would be a bunch of videos online with failure negotiations. What Raven had done should probably be described in game manuals. The young man had read the situation, had changed his speech, had adapted to the interlocutor. From the information he read in the diary, the rogue had molded a plausible story. Who would be capable of pulling that off?

  Meanwhile Will received word about his unexpected bonuses.

  “Congratulations! You are the first player to change the rules of the game. All the players will now wonder whether they might miss a chance to receive something greater. Perhaps, it is not worth it to kill whatever they meet. Not everything they meet is necessarily an enemy.

  Awarded the title: “Diplomat”

  +13% Chance to receive a secret quest;

  +10 Intelligence.

  Unique skill “Liar”

  Active skill (Apprentice).

  Description: Allows engrafting an idea in five words in the mind of NPC or any reasonable monster.

  Required: 50 Influence points.

  Cooldown: Instant.

  Restrictions:

  1) This skill can be used once, on one NPC or one reasonable monster;

  2) You cannot engraft an idea of suicide in an interlocutor’s mind;

  3) You must not make an interlocutor give away his or her most precious thing;

  4) You cannot make your interlocutor sacrifice his or her principles.”

  “Now I’ve got one more skill with mad expenses. Where can I use it?” Will considered.

  Nobody got Experience points, but all were happy when the thaumaturge gave everyone one of his items. Will saw the players’ eyes shine. His goal, now, was to strengthen his game character. He was going to meet the mysterious sorcerer on his Floor.

  At last his turn came. The Thaumaturge approached him and took two small books which differed from those Raven had seen earlier.

  “Here you are. I don’t know whether they will suit you or not. But according to the contract, I have to reward you with two unique skills whether they are suitable for you or not.”

  “Skill Book (Unique): “Illusory gates”.

  Active skill (Apprentice).

  Description: Allows player to transfer and lock either an enemy or a friend in the small world. A prisoner will appear where the gates open. After two days, the prisoner will break free. Warning! You mustn’t imprison any enemy 20+ levels above yours.

  Energy required: 700

  Cooldown: 5 days.

  Class requirements: Aykal.

  Skill Book (Unique): “Finger snap”

  Active skill (Apprentice).

  Description: Generates a sound wave directly into your target’s brain and imposes 10-second devocalization, +30% Chance to create a flap which makes your enemy run from you as far as possible.

  Activation: Finger snaps.

  Energy required: 100.

  Cooldown: 20 minutes.”

  “I thank you,” Raven said. “You are an honest and good employer. If you need me again, just holler.”

  “I'll keep that in mind, Messenger.”

  “Your current relations with the thaumaturge Visarot: 24/200, friendliness.”

  “As you're going our way, Visarot, let us see you off.”

  “Let me say goodbye to my parents first.” The young man with empty eye-sockets save the bright red flame that burnt in them approached the two coffins. “Forgive me… I was a bad son, but I promise from now on the evil will be punished. It is my cross to bear. I will expiate all crimes committed by me. This I swear!”

  Every player saw the system message.

  “Attention! You are a witness to the thaumaturge’s oath.

  Warning: If Visarot sees you doing evil … Gods Save you.”

  “High time we get moving,” Raven urged.

  They had really changed this world. This magician would travel around as a force for good, a burr in the saddle for any player who thought to get ahead by killing other players or robbing local population.

  The players and NPC headed for the exit.

  “P-s-s,” Mollie whispered, drawing Raven’s attention.

  Will smiled. “Why are you whispering? Have you forgotten my name?”

  “I didn’t want Visarot to overhear.” The warrior of chaos furrowed her eyebrows. “Do you think you could convince him to take on our magician as an apprentice?”

  Will blinked at her as if she were an idiot. “Hell no. I won’t even try. I was on thin ice here. Besides, he’s not going to wait for your magician to reach 50
level. You heard him… he’ll be travelling all over the world.”

  “Well, it’s worth a shot,” she responded.

  “Undoubtedly.”

  The thaumaturge, walking ahead of them, suddenly stopped and turned round, looking at one of damage dealers.

  “Weren’t you taught to mind your own business?” The voice of Visarot reminded them that he was not a harmless young man. “Disappear for your stupid curiosity!”

  The gates opened before him, and he was sucked into them.

  “Illusory gates?” Will thought.

  “What’s up, Visarot?” he asked the magician.

  “He looked at me in a way he did not have to,” the thaumaturge muttered. “Don’t worry, I haven’t killed him yet. I’m gonna torture him a little and then throw him somewhere in the heathland.”

  “Well done. If I were you, I would kill this damage dealer.” The rogue admitted, catching on.”

  “But I have just sworn an oath. You heard me. I cannot do it without a good reason.”

  “What a pity. Wait a moment… should I kill him for you?”

  “Uhm… Good idea! This means I won’t break my word… Do, please.”

  The dumbfounded warrior appeared in midair in front of them. Before he realized what was happening, Will delivered three blows and sent him to respawn.

  “Thank you,” Visarot said. “You really can give me a hand in any situation.”

  “I have pledged the word.” Raven grinned.

  “Your current relations with the thaumaturge Visarot 79/200, friendliness.”

  The others looked at these two, not speaking. Rollin’ Dice understood that their companion had broken the promise not to identify the magician. So for this, he was killed. But what if this idiot had made it before Visarot spoke his oath? And if he had, what side Raven would be on? Would he have killed them all to help the magician?

  At last, they left the cave, Will and the others said goodbye to the thaumaturge, who began his wandering quest to punish evil.

  …

  Raven wasted no time engaging Kingmaker. “You can send me the money by e-mail. Show me the head, now.”

  “As agreed,” Kingmaker answered.

  Five minutes later, Raven examined the female head. It was made from stone, as Mollie had stated.

  “Head (???)

  Description:???

  For identification of this item you must have grandmaster rank identification.”

  “I’ll take it. If you find something similar, give me a shout.” He felt there would be great bonuses for this head. He would bring it to Daltaro to identify it.

  “And if I don’t give you a shout?” Mollie asked.

  “I’ll figure something out, and you won’t like it at all,” the rogue answered, examining the stone head. “I’m leaving to wait for the money. By the way, the weapons and items are my gift for your players, but you’ll have to do me a favour in the future.”

  “I’ll think it over.” Kingmaker answered. “By the way, our offer about advertising our clan is still open to you. Do you agree?”

  “Why not,” Will exclaimed. He was so ready to log off for the day. “Send me the invitation.”

  “The Rollin’ Dice clan welcomes you into the clan.”

  “Now the gold.”

  “Here you are,” she said, satisfied. “Mind you, it’s a week-long agreement. Bye.”

  After Raven’s parting words, Molly wanted to tear him apart.

  …

  “So, who’s she?” The thaumaturge stared at the little priestess.

  “This is our chief priestess. She cannot talk as she is bound by oath with Nature.”

  “What are you talking about, you human being?” Ukumi yelled in her high voice. “Do not dare lie about me! Your history is awful! I felt your lie. If I could speak, I would tell him all about you, bold deceiver!”

  “Hush! Don’t you want to be presented with some beautiful thing?” Will said with panache.

  She closed her eyes.

  “Beautiful? Beautiful?” Her pupils shone as if reflecting that beautiful thing which she had already mentally received.

  “Of course. Keep silent and listen.”

  “Draw the best one, Raven!” Ukumi answered placing her small hands on her chest.

  “Don’t be afraid.”

  “What should I reward her?” Visarot thought.

  “Do you have any big gemstones or brilliant stones you don’t need in your collection?” Raven asked.

  “Uhm. There was something like that. Just a moment.” The thaumaturge conjured then a small faceted green emerald, which appeared before him. “Will that do?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Here you are, Priestess!”

  “I did not even suspect up to this moment that I wanted this stone!” Ukumi whispered, enthusiastically embracing her jewelry.

  Chapter 76. The comeback

  After logging out, Will dealt with the contract for Crimson Berserker. Having received it, he tried to challenge the sum of ten thousand dollars that Will wanted for information. But Raven was unshakable; either he paid, or he would lose sleep trying to understand his secrets.

  After an hour of haggling over that sum, they managed to raise it by a thousand. Ronald was shocked. His attempts had resulted in a boomerang effect, and even he did not grasp when he began to fight not for a price decline, but for a return to an initial sum. As a result, the figure they agreed on was $11,000.

  Crimson Berserker received Will’s account number, then sent money with the documents, certified by a notary, then the password from the e-mail with the information.

  Once he received the money, Will transferred seven and a half thousand dollars to his sister’s account, followed by a message for her not to hesitate with the payment.

  …

  Meanwhile the videos with his emergence from the portal and the fight near the dungeon were in the top lines of Videoworld, and the number of views was growing. Comments attached them ranged from delight to hatred.

  Those, who liked the punishment of the arrogant players, wrote enthusiastic comments. Many recognized player killings and sincerely thanked White Raven for putting them into their place. Others, who supported these players, smeared the comments with hateful rants. Despite the different reactions, at last all had now learned the name of the anonymous player. Will could not find any video with his adventures with the Rollin’ Dice clan, thought they were probably still assembling it.

  After the video about his arrival on the third Floor broke, Will received a heap of letters from Pak, who wanted to know why he had been left out.

  The young man only grinned, looking at the sensation he had caused in the network, responding to Pak about the necessity of it. Then he got into the capsule.

  …

  Raven stood at the Lost Time Labyrinth, ready to resume his travelling. He quickly noticed someone missing.

  “Where’s Ukumi?!”

  He had no sooner he thought about her, when Raven heard someone calling him. It was a girl with the little priestess on her arms. The dryad embraced the emerald. She rubbed her cheeks against the stone, delighted that the jewel now belonged to her.

  “H … hi.” The girl hid her eyes and whispered, “I… was asked to wait for you, to return this baby.” With these words she handed the Dryad to him.

  “Oh, thanks. Excuse me that I forgot her. Were you able to sleep this night?” Raven asked the girl player.

  “N-no…, that’s Okay. We changed shifts every two hours.” The girl rumpled the edge of her leather armor with a downcast look.

  “Oh really?” The young man sighed, wondering if he should pay a little for her time, but he did not want to waste money. He asked the girl, “Did you participate in yesterday's conquest of The Labyrinth?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “And what about those who waited for me here, too?”

  “Yes.”

  “Consequently, they have been already rewarded. Big deal, so they wait
ed for me a little. By the way…” he pondered, “could you show me what the magician gave you?”

  “B… but, our leader warned us not to show you anything at all. She said we could say goodbye to our items as soon as you learnt about them.”

  “What?” His amazed eyes spoke for themselves.

  “W-well… she said that you were greedy. And it’s better that we not know how much your help cost our clan.” She looked at him for the first time, her cheeks reddening. “If I show you my item, won’t you take it from me?

  The girl’s hands squeezed the edge of her leather armor tighter.

  “You shouldn’t believe everything your leader said about me. She’s just offended that I turned her down for a date.” The rogue slurred.

  “R-really?” she gasped, her eyes wide.

  “It’s true! She’ll never admit it. Please, show me the thaumaturge’s gift.”

  “Okay… Here you are.” The girl retrieved a bright red necklace from her inventory and handed it to him.

  Inspection.

  Necklace of Bloody Spirit (gold)

  Requirements: 40 level

  Characteristics: +23 Intelligence,

  +30% power of magic spells based on magic of fire and the earth

  + 11% Chance to save manna during reading a spell.

  Class Requirements: Arcanum-magician, Druid, Wizard, Magician.

  The damned Kingmaker was right. I’d like to have this necklace for selling it. A very good thing for any Custer described in Class Requirements, he thought.

  “Here.” With a sad look, Raven handed it back to the girl, whose name was Laniya.