Have you ever wondered what happens when you die? Is it just a light at the end of the tunnel? For me it was the other way around. You see, I am being reincarnated. I kicked the bucket in my world. Very heroically of course, but still, I'm now a small light traveling to my new life. I thought back on my meeting with the Gods. They are Seven major Gods. The rest of them are minor Gods with simple blessings. There is The God of Creation and the Goddess of Death. The Goddess of Magic and the God of War. The God of Strategy and the Goddess of Invention. Lastly the God of Mischief.
The Seven Gods sat high up above me on towers with thrones on top of them.
"We finally meet. Young Soul, you have perished due to the heroic deeds you committed. Those children are safe and will visit your grave yearly to pray for your soul. It is those prayers that brought you to this place. The Abyss has stared into your soul and deemed it worthy of rebirth. How you use you new life is up to you. Just know that there will be no third."
The voice spoke inside my 'head'. The woman's words were soft and kind.
"I am the Goddess of Death and Rebirth, the strongest of the Gods. For without Death and Rebirth, there can be no Life. Just as without Life there can be no Death and Rebirth."
The Goddess on the tallest tower raised her hand and I floated up. Soon enough, I was eye-level with the Gods. "In order for your rebirth to be less painful, choose a patron God, their power will guide you to your next life."
I looked at each God in turn and grimaced to myself.
"May I ask what the world I'm going to will be like?"
The Goddess of Magic spoke next. "It is a place were the law doesn't apply to strength. It's the Law of the jungle in this new world. Only the strongest have power and only the strongest survive its harshness."
I studied them again.
The God of Creation gave me the power over life, healing magic and praying to the Gods will not require a temple.
The Goddess of Magic is self explanitory, she gave me the power to use all forms of magic.
The God of war was also self explanitory.
The Goddess of Strategy was basic intelligence
The God of invention was higher intelligence.
The God of Mischief had the power in the name.
And Finally the Goddess of Death and Rebirth.
"Can I choose two Gods to worship?"
The Goddess of Death and Rebirth laughed. "What an unusual request. Very well, you may choose, but know that the first one is the primary and the second, the secondary."
I nodded. If Law of the Jungle applies to this world, then I need to be smarter than the smartest person and stronger than the strongest person. My choices were obvious.
"I choose the Goddess of Death and Rebirth, and the God of Mischief."
{Status Updated!
1. Name: Unknown
• Patron God: Death and Rebirth
• Secondary God: Mischief
• Hp
• Mp
• Str
• Def
• Dex
• Stamina
• Int.
• Luck
• Sp
2. Skills: N/A }
I looked at the glowing gold status menu with awe and a bit of joy. The appearance of the status board meant this world would be like a game. The only downside is that there is no respawn. I would only get one shot at reaching the top.
The Goddess of Death and Rebirth was a no brainer. Her power was infinite, as long as Life exists, so shall Death. The God of Mischief was a higher tier of intelligence than the other two because each trick or trap required a high intelligence stat to implement. If I rolled my build right, I'd be unstoppable. My Goddess raised her hand again and the other Gods vanished, leaving just her and the God of Mischief. She stood from her throne and so did the God of Mischief. "We accept you as our follower. I bless you with the power over the Dark. In my Shadows is where you will find sanctuary."
The God of Mischief spoke next. "I bless you with a hunger for Fun, in all its many forms, be it innocent or malevolent."
After telling me about my blessings , my status window changed.
{Status Updated!
• Name: Unknown
1. Patron God: Death and Rebirth
2. Secondary God: Mischief
3. Hp: 100
4. Mp: 50
5. Str: 15
6. Def:10
7. Dex:15
8. Stamina: 50
9. Int: 50
10. Luck: 25
11. Sp:0
• Skills:
• Shadow Walk- 5mp/sec
• Trap setting (1/10)
• Trap detection (1/10)
• Hide and Seek
• Steal Skill (1/10)}
The Skill list now had five skills in it and my stats changed to reflect my choice. The Shadow Walk skill seemed like it could pair really well with the Hide and Seek skill. Then again the trap skills will go well with both of those too.
Next came creating a body for me. I decided to go as a man, no point in making my already male mindset work as a woman. The Goddess summoned a mirror. "Please, create your appearance. Remember to take your original look into account."
After about four hours of tweaking and restarting my appearance until it was perfect, I stood before the Gods. I went with a slight build for flexibility. My eyes were my original eyes when I was alive. One Clear blue and One ruby red. Heterochromatic eyes were a rare trait in my world. My skin wasn't quieted as pale as it use to be, but not overly tanned either. My muscles were more feline than bulky and my hair was a pale platinum.
"Are you ready, young soul? We will send you to your new world. No one will know of you. Your background is yours to create. We hope that you will live as well as you did and achieve great things in our name."
"Give us a name for our chosen hero."
I thought for a moment then my original name floated through my mind.
"Mordecai, Ferdilance Morningstar."
I awoke in a forest shrouded in darkness. The trees around me swayed with the wind. I laughed into the night.
Sitting up I took in my surroundings, the clearing was filled with nightingale and death bells. Two simple flowers, but quite poisonous if eaten. A bag and an equipment belt were beside me. I was classless at the moment but I was sure that the way I rolled my skills would determine my class once I made it to a city. So far I only had five skills that would help me for now, but I planned to show the world how much of a true pain I could be.
I stood up to begin the grind for experience so I can level up.
*Welcome all new players to wonderful world of Adventure Online. All new players are required to go to the nearest town to register as an adventurer before proceeding. Please note that until you do so, mobs will not notice you and any damage to mobs will be nullified.*
Whelp, I guess I can't grind until I register.
I walked what seemed like forever before making it to the small village. A decent line was waiting for me when I got there.
The guard was checking 'players' to see if they were registered or not. I stood behind a young girl who seemed nervous. "Hey, are you okay?" She jumped but once she realized I was harmless she gave me a small smile. "I guess we all are dead then." She seemed sad. "No, this is a new life and we get to decide how it begins or ends. If you want, I can team up with you so you don't die. This is our only shot after all." She brightened instantly. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Sure, if I'm lucky you might have support skills. I'm stuck with DPS skills and no way to buff."
"I have one support skill and three buff skills, will that help?"
"Yeah, that works out perfectly. Let's register and get geared up for some quests."
"Im Persephone."
"I'm Mordecai." After that, we talked excitedly about the different classes we were most likely to get.
Soon, we were next up at the gates. "Show me your status."
I glanced at mine quickly before opening it for him.
{Name: Mordecai Ferdilance Morningstar
Patron God: Death and Rebirth
• Hp: 100
• Mp: 50
• Str: 15
• Def:10
• Dex:15
• Stamina: 50
• Int: 50
• Luck: 25
• Sp:0
Skills: 5 (tap to open tab)}
My secondary God seemed to vanish when I allowed anyone to view my status, this was probably so I wouldn't be the center of attention.
The guard nodded as he wrote down my name and patron God. Then he handed me a manual. "Put your status information into this book. It's magic so just say 'Transfer Status' and your status will appear on the first couple of blank pages. The next pages are for Skills, and Inventory. This is your lifeline, don't loose it. I recommend keeping it in your inventory until reaching town to allocate your SP or Skill Points.
A list of Available Classes was added to your manual. Choose one Primary and two Sub-Classes. The Primary Class will be your main focus for your points and will be easier to level up. Your Sub-Classes will be harder and focused towards life skills. These classes are how you make money in the game. If you want to log out of the game, you have to pick your Classes and gain your Guild card. Guild cards are your ID in the game and outside of the game. Everything is built around the game. If you want to learn more, visit the Guild for a guide book." I nodded and transferred my status to the manual.
[Name: Mordecai Ferdilance Morningstar
Guild Rank: N/A
Class:
Sub-Class:
Sub-Class:]
The next pages was my Stats
The page after was my skills and then Inventory.
The last page was the Classes
[Class list (Note will vanish and be replaced with the Class trees of your chosen Classes.)
Warrior
Mage
Archer
Sub-Class list
Alchemist
Enchanter
Blacksmith
Tailor]
The class list was three main classes but I'm sure that they branch out as we level them up. The Sub-Class list seemed small, probably because these were the simple professions allowed in game. I would bet money that this was how we gained money.
I went with the best option for my Skills. Archer.
Then chose the Blacksmith and Alchemist professions. That way I can create my own equipment and potions if needed.
So my Class list now looks like this.
[Name: Mordecai Ferdilance Morningstar
Guild Rank: N/A
Class: Archer
Sub-Class: Alchemist
Sub-Class: Blacksmith]
The page glowed and then the heading changed
[Archer
Level: 1/???
Exp: 0/100
SP: 5
Skills:
Shadow Walk- 5mp/sec (1/10): Can move between shadows within 5ft of you
Trap setting (1/10): Able to set basic snares
Trap detection (1/10): Able to detect traps within 5ft
Hide and Seek (1/10): Unnoticed as long as you are hidden well
Steal Skill (1/10): Can copy any level 1 skill for 1 use.
Sure shot (1/10): %.5 damage
Quick draw: %.5 loading speed
Long Shot: %.5 to total damage if target is 30ft away.]
The four new skills were for my Class
The next two pages were my Sub-Class and skill list, but those pages were blank. I would have to learn how to gain skills in them myself.
As I waited for Persephone to finish with the guard I studied my manual and still my secondary God didn't appear on the list, but the skills I gained from him did. Maybe it stayed hidden in case my book was stolen? I had know idea. Then again it is the God of Mischief. I planned to cause a lot of Mayhem in the coming days. I was stuck here, until I can log out to check out the rest of my new world.
Persephone joined me then.
"What class did you go with?" I asked her this so I could plan future battles.
"Mage. My skills seemed to be geared towards that Class, then I picked Enchanter and Tailor. I can save money by making my own gear." I chuckled, she thought like me. I wonder how many idiots went the other way?
"I went with Archer, my skills have a decent DPS, if I rank them up, it be a powerful attack.
Sadly I didn't get any skills for my Sub-Classes, but I think we have to learn them from masters or the craftsman in that field."
"Sounds like a game."
"I think this is a game, but we don't get a respawn."
Her big blue eyes darkened. "I will try my best to support you."
"Im counting on you."
[Name: Mordecai Ferdilance Morningstar
Hp: 100
Mp: 50
Str: 15
Def:10
Dex:15
Stamina: 50
Int: 50
Luck: 25
Sp:0
Guild Rank: N/A
Class: Archer
Level: 1/???
Exp: 0/100
SP: 5
Skills:8 (tap to open)
Sub-Class: Alchemist
Sub-Class: Blacksmith]
We walked together to the big log house in the center of the village. There was another line inside but I took this moment to look around. There were men and women geared out and standing next a big bulletin board was the different pages attached to it. One man walked up and grabbed a page, then put it in his manual before walking out of the building. I'm guessing that is how quests are accepted in this game.
Soon it was our turn. "Hello Adventurers, Welcome to the Silver Wolf Guild hall! We can register you for the game and, if you so choose, register you under our Guild!"
I turned to Persephone. "Leys join up. I don't know what is in-store for us if we go solo." She nodded. I began to think that she will follow my lead in everything, that was fine. At least I had a decent supporter.
I turned back to the receptionist. "I want to join your Guild."
"Very well sir. Here is the form. Just say 'Transfer', your basic information will appear on the form, your stats and skill list will not show up. Only your name and Class information. We will assign jobs based on your class."
I transferred my information over to the form and handed it back.
"Mr. Morningstar, and Archer. Very well! Welcome to our guild! Your current rank is Copper.
You will rank up as you complete quests. You are only allowed to do quests in your rank, not above or below. Once you rank up, you can no longer complete any quest in the Copper rank. The ranks are Copper, bronze, Iron, Steel, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Mithril. You need to complete a set number of quests in order to rank up. Once you reach the Iron rank, in order to rank up you must take rank exams based on your class. Please note that occasionally the guild will commission Guild Quests, these are handled by a party consisting of at least two guild members or a maximum of five. All Guild Commissions come directly from the Guild Master. Any Questions so far?"
I shook my head. The system was pretty simple and made sure that no bronze rank could take the rewards for a copper ranks quests. This will greatly reduce the number of ranked members fighting over rewards.
"Copper ranked members are given a 30 gold commission per quest completed. This is your sign on bonus." She gave me a pouch with 50 gold inside it. "We don't want our Guild members to be killed right out the gate so each new member is given enough starting money to buy gear and materials to prepare for their quests."
Now that makes a lot of sense. It would be bloody difficult to do a goblin quest without gear. I thanked the nice receptionist and she took a magical stamp from her desk. "Please hold out your manual." She stamped the front of the leather cover, then handed me a silver badge in the shape of a wolf.
"Welcome to the Silver Wolf!"
I stood to one side as Persephone completed her registration with the guild as well. My next stop would be a blacksmith and then an Alchemist to gain ranks in my Classes. Gaining ranks in my Primary Class would be easy, the quests would take care of that.
After Persephone finished, we headed out. I noticed the Enchanter and the Tailor were right next to the Blacksmith, but I didn't see an Alchemist. Is there no shop for potions in this village? Seems like a good idea to have one in a starting town.
Oh well, I bet a couple of herb gathering quests will give me a boost from have the class. Maybe I can learn the herbs and gain recipes from them and get the required equipment to make my own as I go. Mana potions would be ideal for Persephone. "Okay I'm going to go learn how to make my equipment, you should go too. That way we can save on equipment in the future." She nodded and went to the Enchanter first.
I walked into the Blackstone Weapons and Armor. A big man with no shirt and a lot of hair was pounding a piece of metal. "Pick out what ye want and get, I've work to do."
"What if I helped you out with your work?"
The man stopped hammering. He looked up and smiled. "What is yer Sub-Class boy?"
"Blacksmith."
What happened next was study of willpower and endurance as he taught me his craft.
He taught how to turn pelts into leather then turn them into hardened leather, and finally into leather armor. He next showed me how to make arrowheads then shafts, and finally fletch them. His last lesson was on how to turn a log of maple into a bow shaft. Then from there how to turn an animal tendon into the string. I basically made my own equipment under his guidance.
[Acquired
Leather armor set: Shroud of the Grey Wolf
Maple Bow : +15 attack
50 iron arrows ]
The items were added to my inventory list.
"Yer a decent smith boy. Come anytime to repair yer gear and make new arrows."
I thanked the man and left his shop feeling a lot more like an adventurer.
Persephone met me outside his shop. She wore a set of blue robes over a pleated skirt and blue high stockings. Her boots were a soft blue. She held a grey staff with a blue gem on top.
"Now we are ready for our first quest."
*Attention all new players, we will now enable the Log Out feature. You are now able to leave the pod.*
[Name: Mordecai Ferdilance Morningstar
Hp: 100
Mp: 50
Str: 15
Def:10
Dex:15
Stamina: 50
Int: 50
Luck: 25
Sp:0
Guild Rank: Copper
Class: Archer
Level: 1/???
Exp: 0/100
SP: 5
Skills: 8 (tap to open)
Sub-Class: Alchemist
Sub-Class: Blacksmith (1/10):
Repair: (1/10)
Light armor crafter (1/10)
Ranged weapon master (1/10)
Fletcher (1/10)]