The tavern door slammed open as Alex's group arrived. Laughter and lively chatter filled the space as NPC welcomed fellow NPC's.
"Okay, so how do we know what Hanbity looks like?" Aurelia(Cersei) asked.
"According to all the books I've read, no one really knows. People grew up with different versions of how he looked" Avia (Octavius Reborn) replied.
"Wow, so in order words, we're screwed?" Greta asked.
"Not really. Stories say his entrance was quite the show" Alex replied.
The crowd still cheered then suddenly grew still as booted footsteps echoed above. The intruder found his way to the top of the counter and slammed a shot glass against the floor. Its reverberation froze music and merriment, NPC's and players alike looking upon this nightmare given form. His mouth stained crimson as his soulless eyes gleamed bestially. In a flash, Avia recognized the feral grin twisted further in bloodlust, screaming the name which sealed the place doom – Hanbity!
Chaos erupted as the monster fell upon the nearest peasants with frenzied brutality. Alex roared commands to shield the innocent civilians, tearing through his own shock to organize defenses.
"Those with weapons, don't let him get to any of the innocents and those without weapons, lead them to safety" Alex ordered.
"Alex, you're without weapons. You should lead the civilians to safety. The rest of us can handle Hanbity" Greta suggested but Alex didn't want out of the whole fun.
The tavern's jovial ambience curdled to screams and the crash of splintering furniture. This quest's true stakes had been revealed and now their mettle would be tested in an epic battle for survival.
"Hanbity approaching your ten o'clock, closing fast!" Technomancer warned after analytically scanning the battlefield. "Velocity is 1,5 normal, no observable fatigue or stamina loss". Numbers and statistics flooded the group as Technomancer analyzed risk versus opportunity. Hanbity truly seemed a force of untamed savagery.
"Suggest multiple attacks to cause disorientation?" Technomancer asked and the rest obliged.
"I'll cause a distraction" Alex said as he picked up broken wood and a piece of glass that he used to cut himself, focusing Hanbity's attention on his dripping arm. "That's right you blood sucking filth! Come get some!" he yelled as he ran.
"Shadowdancer, get ready your arsenal, Ice(Greta), your daggers, Technomancer, blades and Hackathon, give me a lift would you?" Alex asked kindly. Seizing the opening, all allies struck in perfect synchronicity all ending with a stake running through Hanbity's already failing heart.
As the dust settled, panting players surveyed the tavern in relieved disbelief. Broken furniture and blade marks marred the scene, but through unity they had persevered.
"Alright!" Shadowdancer declared triumphantly. High fives and cheers echoed between battered survivors, elation at having bested Hanbity's twisted might. But a call from Riko paused the celebration. "Guys, we have a problem"
The group rushed to find an NPC slumped against the wall, breaths ragged and faint. Recognition dawned in Aurelia's experienced eyes; within this game's logic, CPR may do what normal methods could not.
"Quick, everyone back up. I'm going to try resuscitating him," she commanded, kneeling by the fallen villager. With steady practiced pumps her palms pressed rhythmically on his chest.
"Breathe man, don't you die on me now!" Aurelia focused intently, losing herself in the technique. After an agonizing minute, color began returning to ashen skin. Then, to joyous relief, coughs wracked the peasant's frame as life flooded back into him.
Awe and admiration filled Aurelia's teammates at her display of skill and dedication.
"Great job Cersei" teammates praised Aurelia. With one final act, their quest succeeded beyond expectations. Against all odds, they had saved every soul.
"Hey Edward, we saved everybody. You can send us back now" Greta called out.
"I'm pretty sure that's not how it works, Ice" Avia mentioned.
"Big ups for trying though" Technomancer praised.
Suddenly, a familiar tingle surged through Alex's form, the others no doubt experiencing the same. In a flash, the scene blurred away like a dissipating fog. When their visions were cleared, they found themselves reunited in the familiar town hub where adventures often began. They were later greeted by a hologram of Montenegro.
"Congratulations to those players who made it out alive. I watched how teams struggled to stop the ruthless blood thirsty monster and also save all villagers present in the bar. On this note, I'd like commend a special player who displayed great skill. She had proven that one with talents and heart could rise to any challenge - perhaps she was a truer hero than any. Player 130,000 – Cersei!" he announced.
"What? How?" Aurelia asked herself in absolute shock as her profile appeared in the sky. Every player stared at her. Some happy for her for Montenegro's recognition while some filled with ultimate jealousy.
USERNAME: CERSEI
CLASS: APPRENTICE
XP: 65
HP: 67
PL: 3
ITEMS: ----
BANK: 130 COINS
KILLS: 30
[ CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO APPRENTICE]
"Oh my goodness!" Aurelia squealed as she hugged Greta full of excitement as congratulations filled the air.
"You've all been brave players. Remember to get your helmets ready for your next quest which would be scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Welcome and thank you for playing" then he disappeared.
"It was nice being teammates for the quest" Technomancer said as the other newcomers agreed.
"We got you guys back anytime" Alex assured as they all departed ways, all except Aurelia.
"I kinda liked Shadowdancer. She had like a kid-like vibe" Greta added.
"Well, I say we all go equip our inventories" Avia suggested as they all agreed with her. After acquiring different weaponries of their taste, they bid one another goodbye as they exited the game.
****
Hanbity alias "the mail man" rested in his luxurious chambers. Throughout the centuries he managed to accumulate a lot of wealth that built him into the man he was then. He glanced in mirror glasses as he sent for the presence of his assistant, Felix. Within these gilded walls, no fool would suspect the dread lord whose schemes had shaped villages from the shadows. Money spoke where brute force could not, oiling the wheels that moved pawns into place.
"Sir, you asked for me" Felix announced as he stood right at his door.
"The girl I told you about, that Greta girl. Since you offered her money to buy the game, what has been her progress? I hear that out of a hundred and fifty thousand players that started the game, about five thousand journeys have abruptly ended. I really hope our dear Greta isn't part of those few thousands" Hanbity addressed rather calmly.
"After tonight's performance, it's safe to say she's still up and running. You were right sir, she's the perfect fit for your plan" Felix reported.
"Very well then, put a word or two out there. Tell them that the mail man's just doubled up the price. May the best gamer win" he snarled.