Chapter 68
MaryKaye and Charlotte knew the duchess's letter was from the same individual. They exchanged glances and realized the importance of the duchess's justification. They thanked her and excused themselves politely. In addition to helping the two depart the Duchess Elleena Mansion, Custodia made sure Charlotte and MaryKaye departed the mansion safely by escorting them out. The two cousins exchanged knowing glances and acknowledged silently the significance of thess's responsee.
As the two walked toward their wagon, they were already thinking, why did the war-forged leader send those letters? The paper they used was handcrafted and very distinguishable, as the market for making parchment paper was used in creating magical scrolls and other items. Charlotte whispered to MaryKaye, "I have a feeling this is just the beginning of something much bigger than we anticipated." The two shared a look of weariness as they couldn't understand why now. Was it because of the obvious clearing on the Evolve Drake? As the two rode away from the mansion, they were hoping that the war forge would also regain prominence and reclaim their title.
Those who watched and saw the battle, if the Netherborn hadn't come, would have already died. Their feelings were mixed in this matter, thankful that they were saved, but it still felt somewhat unsettling knowing that they were still not strong enough to face a real strong enemy from the tower.
Fighting the real thing is really different in a game where you physically don't die; a player can just restart the quest over and over without any consequences. The experience served as a wake-up call for them to train harder and strategize better for future encounters with formidable foes.
The uncertainty of what the future held weighed heavily on their minds as they were a few months away from entering the empire of graves. The issue was to clear the gorge first. The East Lazarus Guild already reached out to the North Lazarus Guild to join them. The White Devil Guild chose to wait, but they made a clear indication they were thinking of another cooperation with the East Lazarus Guild. As Charlotte saw the huge difference in their skill versus a quest boss, she
Mary Kaye never expected that a being that nearly eradicated their entire team was overpowered by the Netherborn. The shocking part is he didn't even use a high-tier magic attack; they all saw and felt it. It was just an ordinary Fire Bullet with 1 point of damage.
Then they understood the difference between a tier 1 and a higher-tier attack magic spell. it was a simple system: each player can gain five skill slots. Whether melee skill , magical or elemental, obtaining a skill with a high-tier capacity is already a great blessing.
But trying to fully utilize and master those skills was a whole different challenge.that is why the Lazarus member only accepted guild members with one skill, as they wanted them to focus and master it and evolve into a skill tree. Sadly, even in the virtual game world in the past , no player was able to gain a skill seed.
Most players obtain five skills but never maximize all five to the fullest. A player could reach a level of 70, but their 5 skill slots have different levels, and just one is dominant among the rest. This made it difficult for players to truly excel in any one skill and reach their full potential. The quest for a skill seed remained elusive, leaving many players feeling unfulfilled in their virtual pursuits.
And now seeing the game they became addicted to turned into reality, all players have a clear understanding: not dying is now their main focus rather than reaching the pinnacle of the tower. The stakes are higher than ever as players must navigate the dangerous real-life consequences with the help of their virtual game experience and use their knowledge to clear the quests. Survival becomes paramount as they face challenges that were once just part of a game that entertained their mundane life.
Every failed quest by those players gains a huge consequence, as the monster they are supposed to hunt and kill will manifest into the earth and wreak havoc on earth. That is why all players, old and new, have to use their skills to stop this from happening. Those players that died, their skill will automatically transfer to his or her bloodline, but the player association confirmed there are many newly randomly awakened players that obtain a skill.
Some fulfill their duties, but a few turn to a life of crime and use their newly acquired skill for their own twisted personal desires. Mary Kaye asked Charlotte if she was willing to personally visit the war forge and explain to them that their rrequest isgreat help toward their cost but considering that the East Lazarus guild establish a branch base on the fallen land of f Lúthien will take some time to accomplish, Charlotte was hoping the letter that the Bouldergrove clan sent was related to that request.
Mary Kaye suspects the Bouldergrove clan might have somebody backing them; they are nonplayable characters in the virtual game in the past. Clearing their quest was seen to be pointless, and the reward felt lacking, but this is the tower, and they know everything has changed. The scenarios and narrative of all quests cleared or those that were still inactive can randomly change.e.
The fact they fought an incomplete Dragonoid monster and nearly died was a clear indication the scenario changed. They took time in going back as the place they were traveling in was the rich district; many eyes were already staring at them, as the people living in these areas are really obnoxious rich families.
Charlotte and Mary Kaye are fairly good-looking in a rough manner. They were wearing their usual clothing, and many people watching who were the same age as them looked at them with disgust and were even talking among themselves that they must be lost or up to no good. The girls ignored the judgmental stares and continued on their way. A few players were able to obtain a high status in the merchant kingdom; these people are created and born this way.
The sheer arrogance , obnoxious personality , blatant conceit, and annoying behavior of these individuals made it clear why they were so disliked. Despite their success, their reputation preceded them wherever they went. Charlotte never liked these kinds of people, but getting in trouble with them is very troublesome, as these rich people used dirty and underhanded techniques to make a point.
As the two continued out of the west district, the entrance toward the royal academy could be seen. The rules enforced at the academy are independent, and the nobles have no power to influence them. The Royal Academy itself has its own district next to the west wall.
The entire merchant kingdom of Solnara Cererindu is like a lotus flower; each petal represents a district.while the stamen are the connected roads and other government establishments. The stigmas are where the nobles reside, and the sepal is a place where most illegal and criminal workings reside. There are three types of social standing: the elite, common, and lower classes.
Duchess Elleena Rothchester is actually the academy council head leader, but she hardly enforces her authority, even if her late husband was the one that established the academy to teach and train the young generation to face and help the kingdom retain its peace ands. When her husband died and her son went missing, she just vacated her position, as she felt it was pointless, as nothing changed in the academy and the rich and influential continued their ways and ruled the place without her interference. Despite her prestigious title and position, Duchess Elleena Rothchester chooses to remain in the background, allowing the elite and their families to maintain their control over the academy and its affairs. Her absence only serves to perpetuate the existing power dynamics within the institution.
One district is large enough to house a thousand people. Each district has its own unique characteristics and attractions that draw in visitors from all over the region. The total number of districts is eight, and they are interconnected by a network of bridges and tunnels, creating a vibrant and diverse community within the city. Each district has its own distinct culture, cuisine, and architecture, making it a truly unique experience to explore and discover. It's an entire world encased within a wall.
Consider a city that is completely enclosed and has just four entrances and exits. The eight districts range in size and prestige, from the quiet residential neighborhoods to the busy business sector. to the military, industry, and impoverished neighborhoods.
Each district offers a different perspective on city life, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for both residents and tourists alike. The city's layout encourages exploration and discovery, with surprises around every corner waiting to be uncovered by those who dare to venture beyond the walls.
And the heart of the entire city is where the royal palace and the main cathedral church tower are located. This is the only place in the entire merchant kingdom where a player can buy skills with gold and increase their attributes by using their experience points. This is where Dane is different, as he can increase his attributes like what normal players do in a game. That alone sets him apart, and having a skill seed that has already started to grow and take root means more changes will happen.
As the two Lazarus cousins finally reach the exits out of the rich district, they decide to personally visit the war forge. Seeing that even the supernatural world filled with magic and mystical creatures still has racial segregation among the classes and socioeconomic statuses, they understood it's a prominent issue in all civilizations, regardless of their nature. This realization prompts them to consider ways in which they can overcome this type of thinking and culture.
While traveling, a few players saw Charllore and Mary Kaye Lazarus. Using a horse or a wagon is a common mode of transportation in the kingdom, as many patrolling soldiers and traveling merchants are seen using them to navigate through the vast, expanding megacity. The two felt the player that was looking at them had that hint of killing intent. These new players still believe that they can obtain their item by forcefully taking it. As many new players highly invest in gaining assessment artifacts capability in their player armband to scan and identify items from target players and steal from them, these assessment spells can only detect items and the level of a player because obtaining a more detailed artifact of skill is really expensive and hard to obtain.
The two Lazaruses know these new players are just stubborn, arrogant, and greedy and have a mental and social disconnection from what is actually happening inside the tower.
Those who knew the two Lazarus players didn't even look at them as they saw them in the transmission mirror, they might have a level just aboce twenty but, their main skill is hidden and above thirty,
They try to understand what runs into these people's heads; is really tedious and mind-boggling. Charlotte and Mary Kaye won't risk getting involved in such behavior; they both rode their horses and went toward the main exit of the city, going out of the merchant kingdom. As their horse galloped and ran, the new players proceeded to follow them as one of them had a tracking skill. And like a dog, he was able to locate the two with ease.
Meanwhile, back at the East Lazarus Guild, all the remaining guild members accepted and gave their fallen teammate on the Evolve Drake quest their proper respect and mourning. And finacially compensated their respective families for their loss, ensuring they were taken care of in their time of need. They all knew the dangers of the quest and the sacrifices that came with it, but they also understood the importance of honoring their fallen comrade's bravery and dedication to the guild. As they prepared to continue their journey without him,
Jacob Magna lava Lvl 18
Oliver Chemical caster Lvl 21
Farrah Plants manipulator Lvl 20
Rainey Insect tamer Lvl 20
Sabine Shapeshifter Lvl 17
Noah Metal body Lvl 20
The six Lazarus Clan members were doing their best to train and delegate each task to the remaining 80 members that is related to the upcoming quest toward the clearing and elimination of the cursed citizen of the Empire of Karion, which is now known as the Empire of Graves. Their guild base is buried underground, as the top area is delegated for training and combat exercises to master their skills and gain familiarity among each other as team members.
The three regions outside the west, each with its own distinct culture and strategic priorities, have established Lazarus guilds, each specializing in unique training regimens shaped by their leaders' philosophies. The eastern guild, known for its relentless pursuit of perfection, focuses on tactical direct assault, honing its members into formidable warriors capable of executing precise and devastating attacks. In contrast, the northern guild delves deep into the mysteries of magic, training its adepts in both offensive and defensive arcane arts, creating a balance of power that makes them nearly impenetrable on the battlefield.
The southern region, which resembles the vast and arid expanse of the Arabian Peninsula, is home to the largest and most populous Lazarus guild. Under the wise and seasoned leadership of the Lazarus twins, Peggy Sue and Rudy Lazarus, both aged 47, the southern guild has become a powerhouse, blending the ferocity of the east with the magical prowess of the north. Their strategic position and sheer numbers make them a dominant force, raising questions about whether their growing influence will lead to more frequent and intense attacks in the future.
The Arabian Peninsula is renowned for its vast, sun-baked deserts, intense heat, and a landscape where water is a precious commodity, conditions that have profoundly shaped its history, culture, and way of life. Similarly, this southern region shares strikingly comparable characteristics. Its geography is dominated by arid and semi-arid plains, experiencing prolonged periods of high temperatures and minimal rainfall, much like the heart of Arabia. These environmental parallels mean that life in this southern region, much like on the peninsula, often requires resilience, a deep understanding of the land, and adaptive strategies to harness limited resources.
Much like the Bedouin traditions born from the harsh climate of the Arabian deserts, the inhabitants of this southern region have developed cultures and practices uniquely suited to their challenging environment. Reliance on seasonal water flows, the importance of wells, and architectural styles designed to mitigate heat are common threads that bind these geographically distant, yet climatically similar, regions. The sense of endurance and resourcefulness instilled by living in such demanding conditions creates a cultural kinship.
The southern Lazarus clan is where most new clan members train to master their skills. They hardly take quests as they are tasked to protect the south border from whatever is on the other side of the miasma barrier dome wall.
The west region is the only place where no player guild has ever established their base, as the entire region is cut off from the rest of the continent by a treacherous vast ocean of undead people that were once citizens of Karion.
Clearing the Evolve Drake was already hard because the monster that followed the Drake was also large, numbering about a thousand. What makes the Evolve Drake quest different from the Empire of Graves is the lack of information about the millions of undead in the land itself.
Crossing the gorge is already treacherous on its own, and setting foot into a swamp infested with unknown creatures adds another layer of danger. The unknown nature of the undead population in Karion makes every step a potential risk, as players must navigate through the region without knowing what lurks around each corner.
The evolved drake is more focused on dealing with so many different monsters, and direct assault has been proven ineffective, so these are factors the East Lazarus Guild needs to address. Poison, illusion, paralyze, and other debilitating effects are useless in fighting an undead. Nobody has any information on whether these undead retained their previous abilities or have developed new ones, making them challenging adversaries for even the most experienced players.
The East Lazarus Guild will need to strategize, gather more members, and will need a vast amount of manpower, armaments, supplies, and support in order to effectively combat millions of undead. Additionally, they may need to consider seeking out allies or forming alliances with other guilds to increase their chances of success in this battle.
It was a blessing that Charlotte and Mary Kaye received an official letter from the war form, so they just took it to heart and asked the Duchess Elleena Rothchester to forward their formal request to construct a modest base on the Lúthien, which is a few days' drive from the location of the gorge. They fervently hoped that the letter the duchess had received had something to do with them.