Player Reached the Top. LitRPG series. Book I Page 28

  “Who are you, sirs? And why have you saved us?” the young girl asked the people whose purpose was not clear. She was too exhausted after fighting.

  The girl was about sixteen. Her eyes were green with a golden shade; there was a thin strip of lips on her pretty face, but not the prettiest in the Empire. Her long, fair hair was plaited so it wouldn't tangle in battles.

  The ordinary wore a leather jacket covered with patterns of runes and plates of metal on her chest, back and arms, dense trousers, and low, light boots for fast movement.

  Two men stood near her, also expecting an answer. Judging from their faces, this battle was tough enough. They seemed to have been driven to the very edge.

  “Raven!” Daltaro whispered, standing behind him. “They have it.”

  “What a coincidence.” Will rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then started the ball rolling. “We are adventurers and have saved you for one reason. But before we continue, we need something from you. Three days ago, you killed a monster here. It dropped some unknowable object. It is necessary that you return the favor. We saved you though you, perhaps, did not want it. But you would be dead if we did not help you. So? Do we behave as civilized people or do we engage in one more battle?”

  The girl listened carefully, staring at the rogue and the archer. “How do I know you came for it, but not for anything else?”

  “If not for it, we would not have known you were here. This man,” Will waved hand towards Daltaro, “has searched for such strange objects since his birth. He’s a terrible collector. And I assist him.”

  “What an unbelievable history…” the girl muttered. “What’s your name?”

  “It’s not a secret. White Raven and Daltaro Marius.”

  “Mm… Daltaro…” The girl frowned. “I heard about him from my mentor. You were a legendary adventurer.”

  “I still am!” Daltaro answer coldly.

  “Easy now,” Raven interrupted him, staring at the girl again. “Do not beat around the bush, young lady. We’ve told you our purpose and names. Polite people would do the same too, but it doesn’t matter. Just give us this thing.”

  “I am not obliged to listen to you. Just believe, we will last not one more fight!” the interlocutor answered.

  She slid her rapier into her sword belt. “Nevertheless, you are right. We didn’t need your help, but this was not our first fight. Who knows, we might die. Kartis, give him the vial we found.”

  Glancing at her, the man retrieved the object. From a ring!

  “He has a ring?” Will whispered to Daltaro. “How extraordinary. It must have been expensive. Besides, what did the Latians want from them?"

  Daltaro grasped the vial with blood which thawed, shrouding him in light. “Yes, much better now.”

  The archer looked satisfied, smiling like a grandfather watching his grandsons in a sandbox.

  Will asked the question puzzling him. “But why did the Latian attack you? Did you steal anything or, like us, kill their king and publicly offend the Queen?”

  After hearing the list of Raven’s deeds, the girl burst in a fit of coughing, her expression one of disbelief.

  “You really killed their king? How did you even reach him? Their Swarm is an unapproachable fortress; I can’t believe you managed to kill him.” The girl sniffed, glaring at this obvious liar.

  “I normally wouldn’t talk about it, but you seem to have some huge feud with them, so I’ll tell you. We did not need to break into their Swarm because their King killed the King of Adamarona and took his place.”

  “Wh-what?” The girl screamed, covering her mouth with hands. “How? What are you talking about?” Her wide eyes were full of tears, her shoulders trembling.

  Will asked a wordless at the men who accompanied the girl. They began to calm her, placing hands on the girl’s shoulders.

  “Nanel, he was ready for it,” one of them said. “Otherwise he would not have sent you far away from the capital…”

  “Wait a moment…” Raven stared at the girl. “Princess?!”

  Daltaro stared too, trying to reason how such coincidence was possible. The girl kept crying. Gone were all traces of the self-confident and strong warrior.

  A couple of minutes later, she came to her senses, embarrassed at breaking down in front of strangers. She felt Will was being honest.

  “Excuse me.” She wiped away her tears. “Can you tell us what happened?”

  …

  After hearing about the cursed shard, Nanel patted her cheek as if trying to wake herself up. The rogue felt foolish and unsure under her piercing gaze.

  “What’s up?” Will asked, noticing her strange behavior.

  “Can you sh-show me the shard?” The girl gazed upon him.

  The young man narrowed his eyes. “What for?”

  She looked at her people, who nodded their heads in reply.

  “In order that I have it too…” With these words, she pulled the chain from around her neck. Hanging from it was a small anthracitic case adorned with magic symbols. The Princess unhooked it from the chain, continuing, “I was given this by my father before he asked me to flee the country. He warned me that under no circumstances was I to let the Swarm possess it.”

  “Well, well, well!” Will muttered. “It turns out my reflections were not true? But why did they kill Shalvar Horsus?”

  “The librarian was killed too?” Every piece of bad news she got after such a protracted fight did little to improve her state of mind.

  “Did you know him?” The rogue wrinkled his forehead in concentration.

  “He was my father’s friend. A week before father sent me in search of…” She looked again at the men. After seeing their tacit consent, she continued, “In search of the one being living in this wood who can give me answers. In the old legends, she was reputed to know everything. I must find out the truth about this shard.

  “So this is where the old man's shard went. He was caught after he had already carried the shard to the King, but not after returning from the ruins of the underground city. Having read his memory, the Latian spies realized that the librarian had given it to his friend. After the substitution, they searched the King’s memory.

  “But they were also disappointed there. Assuming there were Swarm spies in the palace, the King sent me, with the shard, far away instead of storing it in his treasury. This is why they replaced the king. The spies expected me to return or for someone to find me. Either way, they would have this shard. So, getting back to our earlier conversation…”

  “Isn’t it… mm… a sorcerer or magician?” the rogue asked.

  “No, it is Lamia.”

  “Lamia? Half-woman, half-serpent?”

  “Yes. we’ve been looking for her for two months. Before, when we had to flee from the Swarm's police dogs, we could not reach this wood. They need this shard. We must learn why.”

  “Ahem…” Raven drew the princess’ attention. “I have a theory. Listen to what we’ve discovered. It may or may not be true, but the whole picture could help explain all these events.”

  …

  “The device strengthens their mental magic? That’s terrible! We cannot allow them to take control of something similar!” the princess said after hearing Raven’s story.

  “As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what we have to do. By the way…” Will retrieved the cursed crystal. It was brilliant, much brighter and luminescent than the girl's shard.

  “Wow! These are the shards being gathered?

  “Yes, and yours should join them.” Will stretched his hand out.

  “But…”

  “We do the same thing! So, if you would be so kind…” He made an inviting gesture, gesturing for her to hurry.

  “I’ll go with you to search for Lamia.”

  Chapter 80. The spoiled tomb of three wishes

  Having received the protective case with the shard inside it, Will put the crystal on the earth and laid the splinter next to it.

  This time th
e effect was even more dangerous and furious; a huge funnel with a 33-foot radius. The rogue didn’t want to imagine what would happen when he found the last fragment.

  “Cursed crystal”

  Rank: unique subject.

  Loaded: 0/600.

  “So, what now?” The young man muttered, wrapped up in his thoughts. “In order to win their country back, I have to kill her and to put the blame on the Latians, swearing to avenge the Princess’ death as her chosen, and our… my country will eradicate the evil. Either that, or just marry her. The first option is attractive, but Daltaro won’t allow it. One against four rather strong enemies, I’m not sure I could cope … Oh! I should check something…”

  He turned to the girl, raising his voice. “Tell me, Nanel, people have said you do not wish to rule. That you have always been an adventurer. Is it true?”

  The girl averted her eyes for a moment, then looked hard at the rogue. “Of course it’s true. I don’t want to spend my days inside walls, creating new laws, listening to boastful speeches of aristocrats and noblemen who are never satisfied with anything. And then there’s the fact that I am female. I cannot govern. Only my husband will have true power. Such a life is not for me.” The girl sniffed, her arms crossed over her chest.

  “It might be easier than I thought…” he mused. His wide smile betrayed his greedy thoughts. He stared at the girl like a wolf stalking a lamb.

  “Can we have a little privacy, your highness?” RAVen said.

  “Em… I do not like the look on your face. You are smiling, but your emotions seem unpleasant.”

  “Hey! You offend me. I can say something unpleasant in return. So can we talk or not? Trust me, I’ll make you a very good offer.”

  “Fine. Let's talk.”

  …

  “So, do you like my idea?”

  “You want to marry me?” Blushing red, the princess glared at this impudent fellow.

  Raven shook his head. “I guess you haven't quite gotten the point. I offer you a temporary marriage, promising a final revenge for your father, the annihilation of the Swarm, and your full freedom, after we have dealt with the Queen. You’ve dreamed of traveling and discovering the world. I’ve already told you about Messengers who will open other Floors. Soon you will be able to travel abroad! After the death of the Queen, we will annul our marriage, and I will be the King. We can even arrange your death so that nobody will look for you…”

  “B … but you want to marry me!” the princess screamed in shock, loud enough to be heard by their companions.

  Will ran a rough hand over his face. “Maybe it won’t be so easy,” he mumbled. “So how do you suggest I become King without marrying you?”

  “I… I… Stop!” The girl gathered her wits. “You may be famous in my country, but I do not know you well enough to trust you. Why should I make you King?”

  “I’ve already told you. First, you get your revenge. Second, a Dead Queen. Thirdly, the free life of an adventurer. These terms are beneficial for you, so make up your mind.”

  The girl hesitated, torn between realizing her dream and handing over control of her country.

  They had been talking for an hour. Will had given arguments, but felt like he was beating his head against the wall of impenetrable female logic. He had to build a relationship with the princess, but not with the people. But the rogue was unsure whether, after starting said relationship, she would really leave to travel. She might fall in love with him. To rule alone would be more convenient, and quieter.

  “Screw this!” he said “Liar!”

  “You have activated the Liar skill. Think of five words and choose the target.”

  “‘White Raven will be King!’ The target is Princess Nanel.”

  Are you sure of these words and the target? The aftermath cannot be modified.

  “I am sure.”

  The Liar skill is applied to Princess Nanel. You have spent 50 Influence points.

  “Listen, Princess, you know I will be the good King. I’ve killed Tartsius. I will kill their Queen, and your father will be completely avenged. The adventurer's life you want is right in front of you. Make your dream come true.” The rogue, as if possessed by a serpent, tempted the girl with what she wished to hear. After the Liar skill was applied to her, Nanel did not react negatively. Everything coincided and did not contradict the skill’s restrictions.

  Her face remained impassive. “I recognize that you can indeed be a good King. You have done a lot for our country, but I have to meet Lamia before giving you my answer. I promised my father, and I must accomplish it, even though it is pointless now. After we see her, we’ll start our… wedding preparations.” Nanel, who had begun confidently and with inherent dignity, pronounced the last word stammering and blushing.

  “Uhm… I thought, this skill would work better,” Will thought. “I hope she won’t not be killed there. That would be awful.”

  “Oh, my future wife, I am so glad you are not a silly princess!” Raven laughed, leaving the girl and heading to the others.

  He knew the journey might be difficult as the girl and her companions had not been able to find Lamia for two months. Will hoped, being a player, the search would be easier now that he was involved in it.

  For four days, they roamed through the forest, cleaning infected places they happened to find.

  “You have cleaned 9/50 cursed places in the Taargada forest. Clean all the rest and the Senior dryad will reward you.”

  “Cursed crystal.

  Rank: unique subject.

  Loaded: 103/600.”

  After four days, the group stopped near a suspiciously large stone. After closer inspection, Will felt that there was something wrong with this stone, so he moved in even closer.

  The stone was cold, riddled with small cracks and covered in moss. Several small trees had grown around it, as if the stone had been here for centuries. Raven couldn’t help feel there was something wrong with its location.

  The companions settled down nearby so as not to distract him. Nanel enthusiastically interviewed Daltaro about his adventures. Seeing her burning interest, he told her of the tombs which he had passed but had forgotten long ago. Caves full of traps and enemies. The Princess listened intently, her eyes shining more and more brightly as time passed.

  Raven, sitting before the stone, furrowed his brow. “What if I try… Sphere of revelation!”

  An invisible wave came, covering the stone and the others.

  “You have found the hidden property of the Sphere of revelation skill.

  Sphere of revelation

  Active skill: Apprentice.

  Description: Allows the creation of a sphere where any enemy becomes visible.

  Additional property: Unveils illusions of Grandmaster-ranked players and below.

  Radius: 33 feet

  Duration: 1 minute

  Energy required: 50.

  Cooldown: 4 minutes.”

  “Not bad.”

  “You have found the Spoiled tomb of three wishes.

  +3 Luck,

  +5% Chance to find hidden traps and hideouts.

  Description: It is one of 100 tombs on all the Floors. If you win, you will be rewarded. If you are defeated, you will be cursed. Pass through all the tombs and become the great Messenger of Gods!”

  “Offered the Legendary *quest ‘On the way to greatness.’

  Description: Visit all the tombs on every Floor.

  Each tomb may be visited only once (rare exceptions are possible. For example, if you have a wish of a Djinn).”

  “Reward:

  For the passing of each individual tomb, it is variable.

  For the passing of all the tombs… it is useful to dream sometimes.

  Note: Legendary quests are out of levels. This means that it is almost impossible to complete them. But if you complete them, you will rise over the others.

  You are the first player to visit this place.

  +5% XP in this territory,

&nbs
p; +2 Stamina.

  There are no location level requirements. Only brilliant mind and gumption will allow you to go all the way. Good luck!”

  After reading all these messages, Raven tried to control his overwhelming emotions.

  The stone disappeared and a passageway opened before him. A stone ladder, crumbled and covered with mouldy grass led into a deep abyss, from which a cold aura could be felt.

  “I hope my Princess does not die, I hope, I hope, I hope…” The rogue thought. With a sideways glance at the others, Will headed into a new round of the history.

  Chapter 81. Time as madness standard

  When Raven hesitated, his brow scrunched in thought. “Why am I taking so many people if it’s not necessary to kill anybody there? Though who knows, maybe, they’ll be able to assist …”

  He was preparing to descend when Will noticed the others staying put.

  “What’s up?” Nanel asked, frowning.

  “Uhm…” Daltaro also stared at him in confusion.

  Raven received a message.

  “The spoiled tombs are intended only for players. It is your way. Your choice. And your history.

  Note: If you leave the tomb voluntarily, you will never be able to enter it again. If you enter, you must go all the way. Time in this location will not be displayed for the best challenges effect.”

  “Got it,” The rogue murmured. “Daltaro, I don’t know how long I’ll be there. Whatever happens, don’t doubt that, I will return. So, would be so kind and wait for me? I don’t want to have to look for you to pay what I owe. If I’m not mistaken, this tomb is intended only for Messengers of Gods.”

  “I see. Well, good luck to you, dear friend. I will hunt somewhere nearby. If you return, and I’m not here, please be so kind to wait too. I do not want to run after you recover my debts.” The archer smiled, waved his hand, and walked away.