There are two worlds present.
Let's call them the Real world and the Imaginary world.
Each of us has counterparts in both worlds.
Each time we sleep, our consciousness moves to the imaginary world. Moving our imaginary body.
In the imaginary world, our counterpart does everything normally from his perspective.
Then, when he falls asleep, our consciousness will return to the real world. Back to the real body.
The real you only remember vague parts of what happened in the imaginary world, constituting to dreams.
Most of the time, you can't even recall a single thing, leading to your mind creating an episode out of your imagination instead.
That is the same for the imaginary you. He remembers vague memory of the real world, most of them substituted with snippets from imagination.
Both sides think they are the real one and the other is the imaginary.
Nobody could prove nor disprove either.
However, there is only one question.
Are you sure that you are the real one?
- - -
Skills.
One of the most important parts of games.
Not only can it increase the overall power of your character, but it can also even determine life and death.
In WEXO, skills also exist.
However, the skills that a class can get can only be learned through hard work.
It's not like any MMORPG where all the skills are presented and you just need to learn them. No. Here, skills are sought after.
Hidden in old structures, books, pictures, sculptures, inscriptions, and many others.
Some were passed from person to person. Some were learned through battles against monsters.
Ruins of past civilizations always contain a skill or two and it is the duty of adventurers to search for these skills.
There are generally 3 types of skills.
Active skills, Passive Skills, and Group Skills.
Active skills are skills that need to be activated before they will be applied. Under this category are Attack Skills, Buff Skills, Healing Skills, and others.
Passive Skills are skills that are, in most cases, active all the time. It could be said as the skill that determines the basic structure of your character.
Group Skills are skills that are only activated through several players working together. Most skills under this category are magic skills. Especially the large-scale ones. Like magic that can punch a large hole in the Earth, or magic that can wipe a group of hundreds of monsters instantly.
Each of these skill categories is divided further into two types. Normal skills and Unique Skills.
Normal ones can be learned by many at the same time, like basic class skills and such. Unique skills are the type of skills that can only be learned by 1 person at a time. It can only be learned by others when the person forgets the skill or when he dies completely.
Unique skills have a special trait. That is, they are almost too powerful.
Among all the players of WEXO, there are around 5 players that have acquired unique skills. All of them are on the level of a cheat.
Not only players, but even NPCs can possess unique skills. There are a little over a dozen NPCs who are known to possess unique skills.
And most of them stay hidden.
Wonder why? Ask them.
- - -
The pair of Zeus and Faye walked towards the Magic Council. It was a silvery white tower several floors high, towering over all other structures around the town.
Inside, many different transactions can be done. Identification of items, conversion of currency, upgrading of equipment, up to selling magic items.
The two of them went straight to the floor where magic items are sold, the fourth floor.
After climbing several flights of stairs, they finally arrived.
The walls were covered with white paint. Hanging over there were several expensive-looking weapons.
All the weapons here are imbued with magic properties. And their prices range from a minimum of 100,000 D up to several million. The aim of the pair is something on the cheaper side.
"Good afternoon."
"Yes. May we help you?"
Speaking to the attendants that are standing beside the display, they greeted Zeus back with a smile.
"Can you show us where the Living Weapons are displayed?"
Without batting around the bush, Zeus immediately went straight to the core of their purpose. The attendant just smiled and answered, as if it was a common scene for them.
"Then this way please."
The attendants immediately led the two of them to one corner of the displays. There, several weapons were placed inside glass cases.
"These are the Living Weapons that are currently available."
Indicating the 8 weapons lined up neatly, the lady smiled.
Among the lineup, a single sword and staff could be seen.
The 1.2-meter sword was black in color with a red ruby ingrained near the hand guard. The handle was covered with red leather. It was a sinister-looking weapon.
The staff was the complete opposite. Being about 80 cm in length, the tip was holding a soothing blue gem. The body of the staff was of plain white color. Engravings could be seen along its body.
"Can we try these two please?" Zeus asked, pointing to both the sword and the staff.
"Please wait a moment."
After a few seconds, the attendant took out the sword and staff from their cases. Zeus tried lifting the sword. While Faye took the staff.
"This is quite light… What materials are used for this?"
Zeus asked as he tried swinging the sword. The weight of his current sword is probably higher than this one. Despite being larger than the iron sword, it was significantly lighter.
"It was made by melting Magic Iron. This weapon has the special property of being light to wield but gives extremely heavy blows."
Receiving a short explanation, he was convinced. Magic Iron is not that rare a material, but, since it is hard to process, prices of items made from this material were inflated.
Then, Faye asked another question while inspecting the staff in her hands.
"How about this one?"
"That staff was crafted using Mithril that amplifies divine power. The gem that is placed on top is a gift from the fairies. It was said to have been created by concentrating and solidifying mana."
"Oh…" Faye was speechless hearing how the attendant casually listed top-rated rare items as its materials.
"Item Information."
- - -
Black Magic Iron Sword – Level 1 (0%)
A sword that was created by the dwarf blacksmith Gruin. This sword contains the soul of a dragon and has incredible and never fading sharpness. As long as the gem is safe, this sword's durability will never drop.
Type: Magic Weapon
Element: Wind
Durability: 1/1
- Attack +18
- Agility +10
- This sword contains a soul of a living being. Therefore, it will grow together with its user.
- Has the blessing of the Earth God. It will feel as light as feather, hiding its incredible weight.
Fayble's Mithril Staff – Level 1(0%)
Said to contain a fragment of the Fairy Queen Fayble's soul. Crafted by the fairies themselves and sent as a gift to the humans. It was once treated as the symbol of the human and fairies' good relationship.
Type: Magic Weapon
Element: Holy
Durability: 200/200
- Mana +200
- Magic Damage +10
- All magic skills will be amplified by a factor of 1.5.
- All holy skills will have their effect doubled.
- This staff contains a soul of a living being. Therefore it will grow together with its user.
- Contains the blessing of the Fairy Queen. On a moonlit night, when it bathes in the light of the moon, its durability will recover completely.
- - -
"What do you think Faye?"
"Looks legit. Why not?"
After discussing it a little bit, they decided to buy the weapons. The magic weapons aren't that rare to high-level players, however, it is hard to find one. Places like the Magic Council may have it for sale, but most of the time, the stock gets bought out a few hours after getting restocked. The two were just lucky today, coming before the large guilds bought it.
"… May I ask how much this cost?"
"The sword costs 250,000 D and the staff at 400,000 D." The lady attendant said with a smile.
"… I almost went bankrupt there… Okay. We'll take this."
His 150K was almost instantly used up. Thinking of this as an investment, he paid for the item.
[You bought Black Magic Iron Sword for 125,000D.]
"Then please register your weapons over there for them to awaken."
Then, the two of them walked towards the counter. The other Attendant led them to a backroom. There, light sources were not present. The only source of light is the open door and the shining magic circle drawn on the ground.
The magic circle was over 2 meters in diameter. It is inscribed with many weird-looking symbols and complex designs. A pentagram was placed in the center, acting as the core.
"Please stand in the center of the circle."
As instructed, Zeus walked towards the center. Then, he felt the warm mana flowing around him.
After a few seconds, a voice was heard.
'Are you the master who has wakened me from slumber?'
The voice was reverberating. It was echoing inside Zeus's head.
"Yes."
As Zeus spoke, the red crystal of the sword lit up. Then, the voice continued.
'State thy name, and I will consider.'
"I am Zeus."
'… You possess great passion and courage. Very well. I accept this contract!'
The voice then faded and the mana around Zeus turned into a blinding light.
After the light faded, he checked his sword. Then, he was surprised.
"Cool…"
The pure black blade was now a delicate mix of white and black being white from the center up to half the blade then turning gray to black as it approaches the end.
- - -
- The spirit of the Wind dragon is now under your command.
- The skill 'Dragon Summon' was added to your skills.
- - -
Magic weapons are bound items, therefore they cannot be dropped either intentionally or upon death. Smiling contentedly, Zeus stepped away from the magic circle.
Then, after confirmation, it was Faye's turn.
When she stepped inside the circle, the mana around her twisted and turned. It then suddenly turned to a blue color.
Faye didn't speak, she just closed her eyes.
Then, a blinding light passed and faded.
The contract succeeded!
"How is it?" Zeus asked curiously.
"I gained a new skill. Fairy Summon."
"Mine's Dragon Summon."
"Let's see what it does."
"Skill Information."
- - -
Dragon Summon
A skill used to summon the Soul of the mighty Wind Dragon Slyfer.
- Sustained skill. Consumes 50 mana per second.
- Summons a Dragon to this world.
- The strength of the Dragon Slyfer depends on the level of the sword.
Fairy Summon
A skill used to summon the Fairy Queen Fayble. Cannot be used on cursed grounds.
- Sustained skill. Consumes 50 mana per second.
- Summons the Fairy Queen.
- The Fairy Queen's strength after summoning will be determined by the level of the staff.
- - -
"Dragon Summon." Zeus chanted without thinking.
As Zeus was curious, he tried summoning the wind dragon. Then, suddenly, a strong gust of wind came.
"ROOOOAAAAAAR!"
Then, in front of Zeus, a small and cute black dragon was floating.
"… He's kinda cute."
"Are you mocking me!! I was once—"
Before the small dragon could even finish his words, he disappeared.
"So, 3 seconds at most…"
"Then, it's my turn. Fairy Summon."
As Faye mouthed the words, a glittery light flew from the ground up.
Then, in front of Faye, a small girl with rainbow-colored wings appeared.
"Tell the reason of thy summon, human."
Despite her small image, her voice was surely that of an adult. It possesses a certain level of intimidation.
"I just wanted to formally see the one I am contracted with."
"Now that you see me, can I go now?"
"Can I shake your hands?"
"…"
The Fairy Queen extended her small arm. Faye gently took it and shook her hands gently. No, she gently shook Faye's index finger.
"My mana is about to run out. Then, till the next time we see each other."
"… You're quite interesting, human. Well then."
Then, just like how the dragon vanished, the fairy vanished too.
As soon as she vanished, her contractor, Faye, suddenly jumped all over the place.
"Kyaaaaah! How cute!!! I can't believe something so cute existed! What should I do?! That's right! I should increase my mana capacity! That way, we can spend more time with each other!"
Zeus facepalmed, seeing how her façade broke right after the little fairy queen vanished.
"Heeeey… Calm down… We don't have too much time on hand you know…"
"T-That right…. Hoooo… haaaaaa…. Ookay…" Faye said, trying to calm herself.
"Okay… Then, let's go…"
Then, the two of them walked out of the shop.
"When your experience reaches 50,000, we'll hit the level up. Is that okay?"
After going out of the gate, Zeus immediately started their strategy meeting.
"Then, we should do it now. My experience went past 50,000 ages ago."
"…"
In any game that they play, it was a sure mystery how she gains experience. Just that, every time they hunt, their level always ends up the same.
"Sigh… Okay. Then, let's level up."
"Righto~."
""Level Up to Level 3""
As they shouted, a warm light covered the two of them.
- - -
- You have leveled up! You are now level 3.
- All stats have increased by 1.
- Due to training your body, Strength, Agility, Wisdom, Intelligence, Concentration, and Evasion increased by an additional 20 points.
- Due to training your body, Vitality and Endurance increased by an additional 30 points.
- Due to the previous events, Courage and Evasion increased by an additional 15 points.
- Due to the previous events, Luck increased by an additional 4 points.
- Persuasion increased by an additional 3 points.
- You can now learn up to 8 skills.
- - -
"Let's see…"
Picking his adventurer's card, he checked his stats.
Name: Zeus
Level: 3
Experience: 73,332/400
Rank: 2,000,001,292nd
Class: Adventurer
Title: Newbie
Health: 521
Mana: 199
Attack: 58
Defense: 112
Strength: 53
Agility: 78
Wisdom: 45
Intelligence: 44
Vitality: 67
Endurance: 62
Concentration: 44
Luck: 15
Evasion: 57
Courage: 24
Persuasion: 8
Money: 25,195 D
Skills:
- Evasion (Lv. 5)
- Warrior's Heart (Lv. 5)
- Beast's Roar (Lv. 1)
- Dragon Summon
Status:
Newbie
- You will receive bonus 2x experience for the first 180 hours.
- Commodities will be priced half for you.
- Remaining: 171 hours.
Hunter
- All Monster's Drop Rate will increase by 50%
- Monsters of lower level than you will be wary to approach you.
- - -
In retrospect, his stats were already similar to or even higher than those of level 15. No doubt that it was easy for him to slay a Tyrant now.
"Not bad. Then, I'll equip the ring and the cape… Okay. Full set!"
His HP had already shot past 600! The astounding effect of rare items. Even if he engages a level 20 mob, he can have peace of mind.
Rings in the game can be equipped for at most 2 rings on a finger. In other words, there are a total of 20 rings maximum. Bracelets are up to two, necklace and earring, 1.
Right now, he has 3 rings and 1 bracelet. The 2 other rings were dropped by the wolves and it increases strength. The bracelet was dropped by a Treant and it increases health by a small amount.
Then, before they could proceed, a voice called for Zeus.
"Zeus!!"
It feels a bit early to say it's like déjavu. As he turned around, there was the girl carrying a large bag running towards them. It was the girl back then when the Tyrant attacked.
"Zeus!!!"
When he tried to turn around and walk away, the girl shouted once more.
'Ahhh. I don't like this development.'
Thinking like this, the girl finally arrived at their location out of breath.
"P-Please let me join your party!"
"I refuse!" Zeus countered instantly.
"Hey!" Faye reprimanded with a commanding tone.
"What is it, Faye? It's my freedom to say yes or no right?"
"…"
"Don't you feel ashamed? She came here to join our party voluntarily, why should we chase her away?" Faye convinced him while soothing the teary-eyed newcomer.
"First of all, I don't like large crowds," Zeus claimed indignantly.
"She's alone right? It's not a large crowd." She countered.
"Guh... S-Second, we don't need an extra hand on our party."
"I know that you are thinking of hiring a porter. You can't lie to me." Faye raised her eyebrow looking at him, exasperated.
"T-Third! I don't like partying with girls!!!"
"Then why form a party with me? You're just spouting nonsense. What's your name?" She sighed and decided to just ignore the loner boy.
"Hey! I'm not done yet!!!"
Ignoring the still Hysterical Zeus, Faye spoke with the newcomer.
"M-Marielle… I'm Marielle. As you can see, I am a porter, Level is 10."
Faye was surprised to hear that her level was way higher than the two.
"Woah… So, Marielle, do you reaaally want to join our party?"
"YES!"
Faye eyed Marielle from head to toe before continuing.
"But we have a kind of unique way of leveling… Can you promise not to leave halfway and spread our ways?"
"Y-Yes!" Marielle answered nervously.
"Then, welcome to the team. Do you fight normally?"
"No, I just often stand on the rear waiting for the fight to end."
"Hmmm… In our party, that won't work… If you want to keep up with us, you need to battle too." Faye pondered her choices.
"B-But, I don't have a weapon…"
"Can you handle swords?"
"Of course."
Faye then turned to the sulking Zeus and asked.
"Hey, the bad guy over there. Give her your iron sword."
"Why should I? Eek!!" Zeus tried to rebut but was suddenly frozen in fear. Faye's eyes released a scary glint.
"… Then, it's settled… Punishment Package A or B, which will you choose?"
"W-W-W-Waaittt!!! I get it okay! Here!"
Zeus then handed his old Iron Sword to Marielle. His face was pale as he was panicking. Marielle was left dumbfounded.
Curious, Marielle couldn't help but ask in a quiet voice.
"Uhmm… Can I ask? What's Punishment Package A?"
"Hmm? I think it's better for you not to know."
"…" Faye's smile sent tingles along her spine, making her nod repeatedly out of fear.
"Then, I'll explain while on the way. We'll be heading towards the desert area. You fine with that?" Faye declared.
"D-Desert Area?! Wait? Aren't you both level 2?"
"Level 3 to be exact. Come on!"
"Eeeeehhhh?!!"
The Desert area is the part that is past the forest. The average level of monsters there is above 18. And the group of two level 3's and one level 10 would challenge it.
Without a doubt, if they told that to somebody, they would laugh saying that it was suicide.
However contrary to her expectations, after just an hour, they successfully hunted over 200 monsters.