"I haven't played the part of an old man for quite sometime, with this my chance has come! A disguise suitable for my "age".
As I, Deth Jones, donned the guise of an old hermit, I set forth on my journey to the Frigid North, seeking solace and seclusion. With a hooded robe draping over my figure and a magic staff to support my every step, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Five random portals lay ahead of me, leading to unknown destinations, and I chose them one by one, each step taking me closer to the mysterious Ice City.
"Oops. Time to switch from automatic travel using portals, to manual mode using my new Modular Snowmobile!"
However, I had to switch to a different plan, when I reached the last two portals, I hesitated but still thought that its a brilliant idea to abandon reaching the Frigid North using portals.
Instead, I summoned my new Modular Snowmobile, a silent and swift ride that allowed me to bypass the portals and venture directly to the frigid outlands. The journey was treacherous, but I found solace in the frozen landscapes and the biting chill of the frigid north.
"Arf! Arf!! Arf!!! Concordat we are scouting!!!!"
Upon arriving in the outlands, I released a couple of sphere drones to survey the area. The snow and ice were a stark contrast to the bustling life of Frontier City, and the monsters that roamed the frigid barrens made their presence known. Yeti's, snowmen golems, ice wolves, and other snow or ice-related creatures called this place their home.
I watched through the drones' lenses as they scouted the surroundings, searching for an inconspicuous cave that would serve as my hidden sanctuary. My objective was clear—to find a suitable base where I could plan my next moves, away from the prying eyes of the Kapote Conglomerate and the Zeta Squad.
"Speak to moi, say where you tingle....c'mon....speak to moi...."
After hours of exploration, my sphere drones finally located a promising cave, nestled amidst the icy cliffs. The entrance was well concealed, almost blending with the natural rock formations. It was perfect—a sanctuary from the world where I could continue my investigations undisturbed.
With the coordinates logged into my brand new heavily encrypted MagiCrystal smartphone, I retrieved the drones and the Modular Snowmobile to my Inventory Space and set out on foot to reach the hidden cave. The biting cold gnawed at my steel bones, but I pressed on, determined to claim this secluded haven as my own.
"Security Rune here....over there....and everywhere...."
Upon arrival, I used my magic to reinforce the cave's entrance, creating a powerful illusion to ward off any unwanted visitors. Within, I set up magical wards and traps to deter any potential intruders. Finally, I activated a dimensional lock, ensuring that only those with the knowledge of its location could find it.
"Dry Wind Heat Spell On!!!"
As the cave became my secret hideout, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Here, in the frigid barrens, I could immerse myself in my thoughts, away from the cacophony of the magical world. The silence enveloped me, and I began to plan my next steps.
"Earth Magic hear me roar, create a two floor house for your master commands you!"
Days turned into weeks as I create a brand-new two-storey house inside a hidden cave. I dug using magic for underground water well and install a Magic Pump and Filter, with this clean water for drinking, flushing and showering my android body will be crossed off the list.
"Nuh-uh....no way....#hermitlifeisdalife"
I could've chosen to live in the luxurious Ice City, with its summer like environment on an icy world but instincts tell my that its the sure way to be found by the Zeta Squad that has been ordered by the Kapote Conglomerate.
Meanwhile, the news of Deth Jones' supposed death continued to reverberate across the magical world. On the MagicalWorld Forum, theories abounded, with some suggesting that it was all an elaborate ruse. User EnchantedScribe wrote, "I don't buy it! Deth Jones is too cunning to meet such an end. This could be a clever strategy to throw off his enemies."
Others mourned the loss of a hero, like user StarSeeker11, who posted, "Farewell, Deth Jones. You were the spark of inspiration for many aspiring adventurers. May your legacy live on."
The world was left to wonder, but in the frigid barrens, Deth Jones remained hidden from the prying eyes. As I contemplated my next move, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the bustling life of Frontier City and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.
"Being alive I can still ensure to get my revenge in the future, but being dead well....I dunno if I will reincarnate or transmigrate or whatever in the future again, so let's value this second life as the first one."
However, my duty was clear—to ensure my utmost safety and fuck everything else.
In my secluded hideout, I spent hours refining my combat skills through Dense Light Magic Holograms, recalling my past studying of ancient spells, increasing Aura and Magic Soul Core Magick and honing my magic rifle techniques.
The isolation was both a blessing and a curse, providing me with the solitude I needed to focus on my mission, but also leaving me yearning for human connection.
During one of my meditations, I fell in a state where I was both sleeping and awake at the same time. I dreamed of the past life....my past life on Earth that was vague and the life when I was brought to Gaion, to join an unwinnable war.
I was roused from my meditation and decided to eat instead, my Inventory Space kept all foods in a state as they were when they went in, if its hot its still hot and if its cold it will still be cold.
"Nothing beats a warm house and a cold beer on a frigid environment in a dark cave setting."
As days turned to nights and the frigid barrens became my refuge, I felt a growing sense of purpose. In the silence of the icy wilderness, I immersed myself in my studies, my training, and my plans to make this area my mine, since the Frigid Barrens has no owners and anyone who can live in such a place can live if they choose to want to.
"Well that's what it says on the internet, so yeah all that I surveil is mine as far as the eye can see!"
In the frigid barrens, within the hidden confines of my secluded cave, a new chapter of my life unfolded—a chapter of self-reliance, farming and relaxation. The discovery of the blood mushroom cluster in the back part of my sanctuary was a gift from fate, and I knew that it could become the key to my sustenance and success in this harsh environment.
"Hey this could my way to have some sort of business, according to the internet blood mushroom is all the rage in Ice City."
So I expanded it and turned into my very own blood mushroom farm.
With newfound determination, I set forth to expand and fortify the blood mushroom farm. The crimson fungi not only provided a source of sustenance but also held potent magical properties that I could harness for various purposes. Strengthening the cave with pillars etched with rune inscriptions and imbued with protective spells, I ensured the farm's security and my own.
"Replicator Spell On!"
Inside the cave, I replicated an 8th circle mana battery, to serve as the energy source for my new toys. This powerful magic artifact will fuel the ten earth golems that now stood before me. Resembling mannequin models, they were not merely slaves but tools for survival and defense.
Using my arcane knowledge, I imbued the golems with rudimentary intelligence and programmed them to tend to the blood mushroom farm and maintain the cave's defenses, as well as clean the place and make it....look neat.
As the earth golems started to move, I couldn't help but marvel at the way they emulated human-like actions.
One by one, the golems set to work, their movements methodical and precise. They plucked mature blood mushrooms, careful not to disturb the delicate roots, and replanted them to ensure a continuous harvest. It was as if I had my own workforce, tirelessly laboring without complaint.
With the golems' assistance, my responsibilities became more manageable.
"Now this is what I'm talkin' about!"
I now had more time to indulge in moments of relaxation. Settling into a comfortable chair near the heart of the cave, I savored a glass of cactus vodka, a rare luxury in these frozen lands.
As the fire crackled nearby, I observed the golems' diligent efforts.
The sight was almost surreal—a former 10 Circle Archmage sitting among artificial creatures, now tending to his every need. Yet, I couldn't deny the convenience and security they provided.
Days turned to weeks, and my golems learning ability deepened.
Through a combination of commands and repeated works and gestures, I communicated with them, directing their tasks and refining their capabilities. Their movements grew more fluid, as if they were indeed an extension of my will, literally doing what I want the most---multiply the mushrooms rapidly, using the tools I provided.
"I know I have the thing that can improve the golems capabilities even more.....now what was it...."
One day, while studying the ancient tomes I had in my memory, I re-discovered a spell that could infuse the golems with basic combat abilities.
The prospect of having guardians for my sanctuary excited me.
The frigid barrens were a dangerous place, and the golems could serve as a line of defense against any potential threats.
I summoned the golems to the center of the cave, their glassy eyes reflecting my image. With focused concentration, I channeled my magic, infusing them with the spell. The earth golems absorbed the energy, and in an instant, they transformed from mere caretakers to formidable protectors.
They now possessed the strength of a dozen men and the ability to wield rocks as weapons. Their loyalty to me was unwavering, and they followed my every command with unyielding devotion. It was both empowering and humbling to have such beings at my disposal.
"Its time to hunt for some delicacies this snow barren place has to offer! Come to me my noble golem farmers/warriors!"
As the days passed, I ventured beyond the cave, exploring the frigid barrens with the golems as my companions. Together, we encountered snow wolves, ice bears, and other creatures of the frozen wilderness. With the golems' newfound abilities, we swiftly dispatched any threats that dared to challenge us.
It wasn't long before the tales of a mysterious old hermit and his band of golems spread throughout the region. Rumors circulated among the locals, who spoke in hushed whispers about the enigmatic figure residing in the frigid barrens.
"He is a powerful sorcerer, they say, with golems as his loyal protectors," one villager claimed.
"Best not cross his path. Who knows what he might be capable of?" another added.
I paid little heed to the rumors, content to let them circulate and protect the solitude of my sanctuary. With the golems by my side, I felt an odd sense of camaraderie, despite their artificial nature.
As time went on, I grew more confident in the golems' abilities. I began to train them in combat techniques, turning them into a formidable force capable of holding their own against even the most fearsome creatures of the frigid north.
While also using them to trade blood mushrooms with the passing merchants and some people who also created their own community in the barren frozen land.
"Golem 1 you trade this along with Golem 2 to Golem 5, just like I taught you, make....haggling.....no discount....blah blah blah...."
Meanwhile, the blood mushroom farm flourished under their care. The vibrant crimson fungi thrived, providing me with a steady supply of nourishment and magical properties. The cave, once a lonely hideout, now teemed with life and vitality.
In my leisure moments, I would sit by the crackling fire and wait for the golems, to return from the trading with various groups of people and merchants they encounter. Despite their artificial appearance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their growth and development.
However, as the days turned into months, a sense of restlessness began to gnaw at me. The frigid barrens, while offering a refuge from the turmoil of the outside world, also felt confining. I yearned for new challenges, new discoveries, and a chance to continue unraveling the mysteries that had brought me to this magical world.
"It is kinda boring but with modern technology, having satellite internet that I made using backdoor hacking....life is good....life is gooo-ood."
Deep within the icy heart of the frigid north, a seed of ambition began to take root—a new purpose beyond mere survival....to become a loner hermit-merchant-farmer.
"Wow! That was a mouthful of a title...."
For now, the hidden hermit of the frigid barrens would continue to grow his new products and experiment whether he can turn them into something else, aside from the norm. With my loyal earth golems at my side and the enigmatic blood mushroom farm as my source of power, I was ready to expand my "cover" as a loner hermit.
The tale of me the "new" Deth Jones, the enigmatic hermit, had only just begun...
"I smell a saga coming up.....or was it the smell of cave mold? I'm pretty sure the golems cleaned up the place or something...."