Bab 3: Chapter 3: Shadows Across Time
The fiefdom of Ranger stood as a bastion of prosperity under the rule of Zax, now Marquis Ranger. With each passing day, the town flourished, and the fields yielded bountiful harvests. The knights, once mere NPCs in a game, patrolled the outskirts with a sense of duty that mirrored the valor of real-world defenders.
Zax, fully immersed in his dual role as a noble and a gamer, found a harmonious balance between the responsibilities of governance and the thrill of exploration. The rustic charm of the European-style town retained its allure, but beyond its borders lay uncharted territories and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
The sword skill Zax acquired through dedicated training became an extension of his being. He practiced diligently, not just for the sake of acquiring more skills, but to embody the spirit of a true Marquis who could defend his fiefdom when the need arose.
As Zax walked through the town square, his gaze shifted to the bustling marketplace. Traders from neighboring fiefdoms had set up stalls, offering goods and exchanging stories. It was here that Zax's diplomatic skills came to the forefront. He engaged with merchants, forged alliances, and strengthened trade routes, ensuring a steady influx of resources for the growth of Ranger.
The System, a constant companion, offered guidance in these matters. It provided insights into market trends, the political landscape of neighboring territories, and potential threats on the horizon. Zax's attributes and professional skills continued to evolve, with each council meeting and diplomatic endeavor contributing to his growth.
One day, a missive arrived—a letter sealed with the emblem of a distant fiefdom. The messenger, a knight in polished armor, delivered the letter with a bow before swiftly departing. As Zax broke the seal, he found an invitation from the neighboring Marquis to attend a grand feast, a gathering of nobles from various fiefdoms.
Intrigued by the prospect of forging new alliances and gaining insights into the broader political landscape, Zax accepted the invitation. The journey to the neighboring fiefdom, nestled amidst verdant hills, proved to be an opportunity for both diplomacy and exploration.
The grand feast was a spectacle of opulence and camaraderie. Nobles from different fiefdoms exchanged pleasantries, discussed matters of governance, and showcased their cultural richness. Zax, with his charm and diplomatic finesse, navigated through conversations, forming connections that would prove beneficial in times to come.
During the feast, whispers of a shadowy threat reached Zax's ears. Rumors spoke of an ancient cult that sought to exploit the vulnerabilities between the fabric of Gaia and the Eternal Abyss. Though the specifics were veiled in mystery, Zax felt a sense of urgency to uncover the truth and protect not only his fiefdom but the entirety of Gaia.
Returning to Ranger, Zax convened a council meeting. The alchemist, bard, and rogue, recruited during the early days of his rule, provided invaluable insights. Together, they formulated a plan to investigate the shadowy cult and thwart any potential threat it posed.
Zax, guided by the whispers of the System, allocated skill points to enhance his Perception even further. The journey ahead required not just diplomatic finesse but a keen sense of awareness to navigate the shadows that loomed across time.
The fiefdom of Ranger, once a tranquil haven, now resonated with the hum of preparation. Knights were dispatched to patrol the outskirts, and scouts ventured into the unexplored territories to gather intelligence. The alchemist concocted potions to enhance the senses, the bard composed rallying tunes, and the rogue honed skills of stealth and reconnaissance.
As Zax ventured into the unknown territories, the System's interface provided real-time information on potential anomalies and disturbances. The shadows across time revealed glimpses of ancient ruins, forgotten lore, and hints of the cult's influence seeping through the fabric of reality.
The journey unfolded as a tapestry of discovery and peril. Zax encountered mythical creatures, deciphered cryptic inscriptions, and uncovered artifacts with latent powers. The alchemist's potions proved invaluable, enhancing his perception and allowing him to discern hidden truths.
In a hidden cavern, Zax stumbled upon a forgotten shrine—a relic from an age when Gaia faced the brink of annihilation. The shrine emanated an otherworldly energy, and the whispers of the System grew more pronounced. It revealed that the cult sought to harness the dormant energies within these ancient shrines to breach the barriers between worlds.
Armed with this knowledge, Zax returned to Ranger with a newfound sense of determination. The council convened, and plans were set in motion to fortify the fiefdom against the impending threat. Knights were trained in specialized tactics, the alchemist devised protective wards, and the bard composed rallying anthems to bolster the spirits of the townsfolk.
The rogue, with a network of informants, uncovered clues leading to the cult's hidden stronghold. Zax, now a seasoned Marquis with both diplomatic finesse and combat skills, led a select group of knights and allies on a covert mission to dismantle the cult's operations.
The infiltration was a delicate dance of stealth and strategy. Zax, with his enhanced perception, navigated through concealed passages and avoided the cult's sentries. The rogue's expertise proved crucial in bypassing traps, and the alchemist's potions granted them an edge in both evasion and combat.
As they reached the heart of the cult's stronghold, a chamber adorned with sinister symbols and pulsating with dark energy, Zax confronted the cult's leader—a shadowy figure shrouded in mystery. A battle ensued, with the clash of swords echoing through the cavernous chamber.
The System's interface guided Zax in combat, offering suggestions and analyzing the cult leader's movements. The skills he had acquired through training and exploration came to the fore, and the synergy with his allies proved decisive. The cult leader, once a looming threat, fell before the combined might of the Marquis and his companions.
With the cult dismantled and their plans thwarted, Zax emerged victorious. The fiefdom of Ranger, now battle-hardened and united, stood resilient against the shadows across time. The townsfolk, once unaware of the lurking danger, celebrated the triumph of their Marquis.
As Zax returned to the town square, the System's interface glowed softly. The Status window displayed his updated attributes and achievements.
Name: Zax Ranger
Race: Half Human / ?
Attributes:
Strength 16
Dexterity 14
Constitution 18
Intelligence 20
Wisdom 16
Charisma 18
Profession: Level 15 Noble (Marquis)
Health Points (HP): 120/120
Experience Points (EXP): 12,500 Available
Skill Points: 50
Attribute Points: 10
Status: Heroic
Profession Skills:
Persuasion 90
Diplomacy 85
Management 80
Perception 70
Combat Skills:
Sword Mastery 50
Tactical Leadership 40
The heroic status reflected Zax's journey from a gamer with a system at his fingertips to a noble Marquis who had faced and overcome the shadows across time. The fiefdom of Ranger, now not just a picturesque town but a beacon of resilience, looked to their Marquis with admiration and trust.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone