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25% New Game Plus: I crave challenges / Chapter 22: Handing in the quest

Capítulo 22: Handing in the quest

[-58!]

A huge chunk of HP was gone as Liam's second attack forced the thief out of stealth.

A young man was revealed, probably not even eighteen years old. His eyes were narrowed, brown hair peeking out of his hood.

He let out a dissatisfied grunt, coming to a stop some distance away.

The two players mustered each other, with respect in their eyes.

[Silent Acacia]

Finally, the young thief broke the silence.

"I admit defeat. You're really good! Why have I never heard about you?"

Liam smiled confidently.

"Why? I never heard about you either."

"Nice joke."

"What joke? Should I know you?"

The young thief had a skeptical expression.

"Are you for real?

I wouldn't say that I'm famous throughout the federation, but among gamers I'm confident that everyone knows me!

Didn't you watch the championship in Rent's Revolution last year?"

Liam had to dig quite deep into his memory until he found the name 'Rent's revolution'. It was the last big VR game before Fate of Crunaboul came out.

Liam shook his head:

"Sorry. I had other stuff to do at the time."

"Wait, are meaning to tell me you didn't even play RR?"

"No."

"I don't believe it. How can you be so good? Your movements looked so practiced!"

"Well, I feel like many martial artists are able to show their skills in this game."

Silent Acacia furrowed his brows. If Liam's words were true, a lot of strong opponents would appear in Fate of Crunaboul. Excitement welled in the young thied's heart. Only by overcoming obstacles could he grow.

Liam noticed the change in his opponent's expression, nodding inwardly. He could already foretell that Silent Acacia would make it far with his mindset.

At this moment a friend request appeared before Liam, which he accepted calmly.

The young thief turned around, about to leave.

"Let's keep in touch."

"Sure."

Liam watched until the man vanished into the foliage. He realized that some impressive players already roamed the world.

Not bad, but still can't touch me.

With a confident grin the five times champion returned to the town.

He messaged Silver Blade and Cyclone, agreeing to meet on the town square.

Players still appeared regularly from a platform. By now information had already spread outside about the various races.

Nephilim ranked rather high purely based on their appearance. But Liam knew that this might change soon.

Ignoring the newcomers, Liam scanned the crowd for his companions. A lot of players were gathered here, crowding around a beautiful pavilion with mysterious blue shimmering runes on the ground.

This was the teleportation point connecting the novice village with other towns and cities.

But the players weren't here for this reason, rather for the person standing within the pavilion.

She was an angelic young woman with long white hair. The white half of her wings shone brightly, radiating holy dignity, while the black half of her wings hung listlessly, evoking a desire to take care of her.

The nephilim had concerned eyes, her white robe swaying as she moved her hands to direct the mana in the air.

Her graceful figure made most male players' and even some female players' hearts melt, their eyes unable to let go.

"I think I've fallen in love."

"Please marry me, goddess!"

"Think you are worthy?"

"Right, I only want to serve you, goddess! Use me however you like."

Liam shook his head, knowing that this beautiful nephilim mage, going by the name Her Holiness Lewriova, would continue to ignore the players for a while longer.

Only after the first player reached level ten would the mighty mage be done with repairing the teleportation platform, allowing players to reach other towns and cities.

"Tzz. Didn't expect our mighty expert to be captivated by beauty."

Suddenly a snarky comment let Liam snap back to reality. He turned his head, looking at Silver Blade and Cyclone with a strange expression.

"I didn't…"

"Don't deny it. I caught you staring.

Don't worry. There is nothing wrong with liking beauty. But maybe don't get enamored with an NPC."

Liam smiled wryly. He saw the mirth in Cyclone's eyes, knowing that she wouldn't accept any explanation.

Turning to Silver Blade for help he noticed the apparent embarrassment on her face.

"Great…"

Cyclone chuckled, counting this as a win in her book.

"Ok then. If you are done with goggling the NPC, we can split the loot."

"Sure, sure. Go ahead."

Cyclone led Silver Blade and Bleary Mirage to the side, rubbing her hands in glee.

"Hehe, expert, my lucky hands strike again! You won't believe what we got."

"I'm all ears."

"First, we received the missing fur for Silver Blade's quest from a few other rabbits my bestest friend looted in the meantime."

"Oh great, you can hand in your quest.", commented Liam with a nod at Silver Blade.

"Yes. Then I can pay you back for the help along the way."

"What pay back? This is called teamwork."

"Yes, Silver Blade. Don't talk like we won't see each other again. We still need to cling to the expert's leg!"

All three youngsters laughed as a friendship began blooming.

Next, Cyclone excitedly revealed the items dropped by the elite rabbit.

It was a green-magic sword, level three boots, some coins, a lore book, and a strange green crystal without information.

The group quickly came to a decision, handing the sword to Liam and the boots to Silver Blade. Cyclone would hold onto the rest.

Despite the unreliability of lore books, Liam didn't advise his friends to sell it.

Liam handed his old sword to Silver Blade as well, while inspecting his new one. It was rather broad, without a sharp tip. But in the game the appearance didn't matter, only the numbers.

[Rabbit tooth

Category: magic

Level requirement: 2

 

Attack Damage: 8-9

Attack Speed: 0,7

Effect: Every attack has a 2% chance to reduce armor for 2 seconds.

A sword made from the large front teeth of a Huge Red-eyed Rabbit.]

Cyclone played with the mysterious crystal in her hand, turning it left and right.

Despite not getting a new item herself, she was still satisfied with the loot.

"Expert, what do you think is this?"

Liam looked closely at the crystal enveloped by a green sheen. Although he had a few guesses in his mind, even he couldn't be sure.

There were just too many similar objects in the game, most only revealing their real form under certain conditions.

"I don't know."

Cyclone looked at Liam skeptically, prompting him to laugh.

"What? Do you think I recognize every item in the game?"

"Yes!"

Liam almost choked from the conviction in Cyclone's voice.

"Well, I don't. But I can tell you what to do with it."

"Go on."

"You need to bring it to an NPC to identify. Every city has at least one."

"Soo this novice village doesn't have such an NPC is what you're saying?"

"Coincidentally it does, but she is quite busy."

Liam grinned as his eyes hinted at the angelic mage repairing the teleporter.

Cyclone rolled her eyes.

"Great. So, we can't do anything?"

"Nope. Let's wait for someone to reach level ten. Only then will the teleporter be fixed."

Silver Blade looked at her best friend.

"We can try it later, Cyclone. Maybe we're lucky."

"Thanks."

Although Silver Blade had an impressive charisma stat, Liam didn't hold much hope.

At this point in time all the nephilim novice villages had high-leveled NPCs repairing the teleporters. But they didn't play a role yet, ignoring all players without fault.

Still, Liam didn't discourage his friends as they arrived at Zeygnar's stall.

Silver Blade initiated a conversation, watching Liam sneak behind the house.

"Zeygnar, I'm back with your fur."

"Ahh! Brave adventurer, thank you so much!"

Zeygnar had dreamy eyes as he caressed the soft fur handed over by Silver Blade. A few seconds later he coughed.

"You have done a good deed, brave adventurer. Those rabbits not only make for a good carpet, but they also harass us merchants.

With your help our travels will be safer in the future."

Cyclone opened her eyes wide as she asked form the side:

"But aren't they spawning all the time? Their numbers don't diminish, right?"

The NPC was confused, proving the limitations of the game.

"Spawning? Ohh, you mean because these rabbits breed like… well, rabbits. You are right. It is difficult to get rid of them completely.

But back to you, adventurer. Please, accept this reward for your work."

A notification appeared before Silver Blade, telling her to choose between three rewards.

After a quick contemplation she decided on a tall red shield.

[Quest: Rabbit fur for Zeygnar; Completed!]

[Receive 30 EXP]

[Reward: Rech's flame shield.]

["What a fine carpet."]

[EXP: 75/500]

Cyclone immediately perked up when she noticed the new equipment in her friend's hand.

"Silver Blade, let me see."

"Here."

Silver Blade sent the shield's information through a message.

[Rech's flame shield

Category: magic

Level requirement: 1

 

Physical Defense: 3

Magical Defense: 4

Attack speed malus: 0,1

 

Bonus defense against fire damage: 3

This shield was made by Rech with magma from a volcano.]


Capítulo 23: Chaos in the city

While Silver Blade and Cyclone talked to Zeygnar, Liam circled the house. Standing before the fence he listened closely.

The air was clear!

Liam jumped, climbing over the fence.

He stopped for a moment.

No footsteps!

Letting out a relieved smile, Liam approached the box and began searching.

It took him three attempts, but he finally retrieved the last message in a bottle!

A feeling of satisfaction crept into his mind as he managed to achieve his goal despite the changes compared to his past life.

Subsequently Liam left, meeting up with Silver Blade and Cyclone.

At this moment a person suddenly revealed themselves from the shadow of a nearby building.

Tiny eyes stared at Liam's back in surprise.

Why didn't I think of this?

The player who had observed Liam's actions was another renowned thief in other games, Black Rat.

However, Black Rat didn't get his reputation through fighting but by being able to steal from anyone. Although this was naturally boasting, he was indeed quite famous for his skills.

So far Black Rat had already started robbing a few common NPCs in Fate of Crunaboul.

But watching Liam, he suddenly felt as if a new world opened up before his eyes.

Right, I don't need to steal out of NPC's pockets. This game clearly offers so much freedom. I can steal from everywhere!

The famous thief was excited. Entering his stealth, he sneaked up to Zeygnar's house and jumped over the fence.

Looking around in excitement, Black Rat didn't find anything worthy of this reputation. Thus, he opened the back door and sneaked into the house.

At this moment, footsteps echoed on the wooden floor.

Black Rat hid below a table, remaining perfectly still. Quickly, the dark-skinned Zeygnar entered his vision.

The merchant murmured something as he walked towards the backyard with a frown on his face.

Suddenly Zeygnar stopped in place.

Black Rat felt a hint of doubt.

He couldn't have seen me, right?

If this was really the house of a common NPC, Black Rat might be able to stay hidden. But Zeygnar, albeit not powerful in the context of this world, was still a few levels above the player.

Thus, with a quick glance he spotted the thief hiding below his table.

"You dare, little thief?! What do you take me for, entering my house as you please?!"

Black Rat felt his throat drying up as heavy footsteps approached him.

Meanwhile Liam had already gathered with his friends. He looked at the street in surprise as two heavily armored guards entered Zeygnar's house.

Silver Blade was confused as well:

"This doesn't have anything to do with us, right?"

"I don't think so."

"Hopefully they don't arrest the merchant.", worried Cyclone. "Where should we go for Silver Blade's new quest if that guy goes to jail?"

"You received another quest?"

Liam looked at Silver Blade in disbelief, still surprised by her charisma stat.

"Yes. But I don't know if I can accomplish it yet."

"Why? What are you supposed to do?"

"Apparently Zeygnar was attacked while crossing the ocean, leading to some of his wares falling into the water.

Now we have to get them from a place called Red'or island."

"Ahh, this will take some time."

Red'or island was one of the myriad islands located withing the vast Deavin Ocean. The original nephilim lived mostly on the several bigger islands, like the volcanic island Ventarra, which Liam was on right now.

Many quests would eventually guide the players to explore the islands, but this was only possible at higher levels.

The friends conversed a bit longer.

Eventually Liam asked a question in his head.

C? Can you tell me what time it is?

[It is 17:26, player.]

Oh, I thought more time had passed.

[The time flow between the virtual world and the real world is 3:1.]

Are there any limitations on game time?

[Right now, the virtual world is accessible from 9:00 to 19:00.]

Liam nodded his head. In his past life the virtual world followed a similar pattern, changing its schedule after a while.

But it's already getting late. I should go home to Serena.

Thus, Liam addressed his friends.

"Sorry guys but I have to end here for today."

"What? You're leaving, expert?"

"Yeah. I have some responsibilities at home."

"Ahh, a pity."

Silver Blade and Cyclone accepted reluctantly.

"Are you back tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Great, then we can solve some more quests!", chuckled Cyclone.

"Yeah, let's work together again.", added Silver Blade.

"You guys can do some quests on your own as well. Here in the town are a lot of easy quests."

"Hmm, we will see.", answered Cyclone noncommittal.

"Well, play at your own pace. I'm off now. Bye!"

"Bye."

"Bye, bye expert."

Silver Blade and Cyclone waved at Liam as he suddenly disappeared.

A few seconds later the young man woke up within the training room. He moved carefully, his body sore from all the sitting.

I wonder if they will provide VR capsules in the future…

Liam carefully stood up, moving his body. But suddenly he froze in place.

What's going on?

Liam did a few exercises, finding them a lot easier all of a sudden. His thoughts spun as he stared at the console around his upper body.

Are those rumors true? Our strength in the virtual world can be brought to the real world?!

Liam was frozen in disbelief. He concentrated on his body, feeling a faint trace of warmth spreading form the console through his body.

With trembling hands he grabbed the console, carefully lifting it up. Suddenly a feeling of weakness assaulted him. His mind felt dizzy as an invisible connection was interrupted.

How can this be…

At this moment a commotion reached Liam's room from outside. The young man shelved his doubts. Putting the console back on he left the room.

Near the entrance Liam spotted Master Baker. A fist like a proud dragon smashed into a young man's stomach, lifting him up and throwing him outside.

"Hmpf. Good-for-nothings! Found a tiny bit of strength and think you're some kings?

Relying on external strength. What a disgrace. This is exactly the reason why I didn't take you in back then!"

A few youngsters sat outside the dojo, obviously having received a fierce beating. One of them dragged his injured body up.

"You will pay for this, old man!"

Leaving behind these words he helped up his friends and left.

Liam approached the master from behind, bowing lightly.

"Master, what was that about?"

"Just some arrogant guys I refused in the past. Now they got their hands on a VR console. With their little bit of strength, they already think about taking revenge.

Don't learn from them, boy. I have some hope for you but if you only rely on external forces, you will lose yourself!"

Master Baker eyed Liam with a sharp gaze, obviously able to tell something despite Liam's shirt hiding the console.

Liam took a sharp breath as he bowed deeply.

"I will remember your words, master."

"Mhm."

"Are there more people causing chaos?"

"Sure. Today will be quite chaotic, with the army distracted by the virtual world and too many people suddenly growing stronger. Many egos are going through the roofs."

Eyes shooting wide open, a shiver ran down Liam's spine.

Oh no, Serena!

"Sorry, master, I have to leave."

Liam didn't explain more as he dashed out of the dojo. He made his way through the lower city. Ironically it was relatively peaceful as no one in the lower city could afford a console.

The middle-class citizens were hit the hardest, with many stores looted and fights happening on the open street.

But as the army was slow to quell the chaos, it slowly began to engulf the city, with many troublemakers feeling that their chance had come.

Meanwhile Doctor Hearley had closed her clinic as soon as the first wounded arrived.

Although as a doctor she felt guilty, but the people coming didn't stop their fight even within the clinic, making it impossible for the doctor to continue doing her job.

Thus, she gathered all her employees, naturally including Serena, and hid in her apartment.

For a while nothing happened but eventually a commotion could be heard throughout the entire building. When a banging came from the solid door, poor Serena hugged her stuffed animal and pressed her body against the wall.

Kathrin calmly caressed her head.

"Don't worry, Serena. Nothing will happen. The army will arrive soon."

Serena's body trembled. Kathrin naturally didn't know that the poor girl was reminded of the time when people tried to get her and Liam out of their old home.

Brother, where are you? Are you safe?

A door opened, letting everyone flinch. But it was only Merida who came out of the bathroom. Small pouches were in her hand.

"Guys."

Six pairs of eyes turned towards the doctor.

"Don't be afraid. Those are just some people making use of the chaos. They aren't strong!

Here, take these and throw them if the door should open!"


REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES
Mykrail Mykrail

Second week: done!

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