Zwoop.
Man, that shit's trippy as hell.
Returning to the Shunning Grounds in the real world, I steadied myself against the wall, letting the dizziness pass.
Although only a few hours had passed in the dungeon, the time outside barely amounted to ten seconds.
Looking around, I was returned to the same spot before I entered the dungeon–outside Gordon's room–kitchen.
Giving myself a quick once-over, I thought about going inside but decided against it.
Mehg was probably still eating, so letting her eat at her pace was best.
Besides, I needed some time to myself.
Stepping out of the archway I was in, I began walking with no destination in mind.
The first thing I did, was pull up my pull up my {Status} sheet.
{ – Status – }
{Name: Morgott}
{Level: 2 (67%) | EXP: 100/150}
{Title: None}
{Class: Warrior}
{Credits: 1390}
{HP: 1200/1200 | HP Regen: 0.12 per second}
{MP: 280/280 | MP Regen: 0.28 per second}
{SP: 140/140 | SP Regen: 0.14 per second}
{VIG: 6 (12)}
{MND: 14 (28)}
{END: 7 (14)}
{STR: 5 (10)}
{DEX: 7 (14)}
{INT: 14}
{FAI: 16}
{LUC: 11}
{Stat Points: 2}
Would you look at that?
Just one level up, and some of my stats almost doubled, and on top of that, I have two additional points I can allocate anywhere.
Seriously, that {Demigod Physiology} skill is doing wonders, and it's not even at max level.
But, I suppose it does make sense, considering how strong all the demigods were in the game.
Hell, even Godrick, who was said to have diluted divine blood, was still head and shoulders above the rest of the common folk, even if part of his strength was gained from grafting.
This brings me to a topic that I've been completely evading.
Ever since I regained my memories, I'd been overwhelmed and distracted, learning about the system, getting to know Rusty, getting my first dungeon run done…
I didn't get much time to think about… well, everything.
I was reincarnated into a world that I thought only existed in a game, into a character that was originally meant to suffer, and struggle until his dying breath, giving his life to protect an order that honestly didn't give two shits about him.
Not to mention, if things progress as they did in the game's lore, Godwyn will die, beginning the spread of spooky-scary-skeletons, triggering the Shattering, rot-mommy turning Caelid into Australia…
Sure, some things are different, like Mohg being Mehg instead, and us not being shackled to the ground by magic chains for most of our lives.
But that doesn't really reassure me that much.
The point is, the entire world will go to shit, and it's not a matter of if, but when, which is a big no-no for me.
I was given a second chance at life, and there's no way I'm gonna let it go to waste just because mommy dearest couldn't keep her hate boner in Radagon's pants.
Am I being harsh? Maybe, but I don't give a shit.
The only thing I care about is ensuring that I, and the people I care about, lead a great, fulfilling life.
And if the Shattering occurs… Well, I can say bye-bye to that.
That's why such a future must never happen, ever.
As I resolved to steer this world to a different path, a panel appeared and showed a new quest.
{World Quest Created!}
{Brightest Flame of Ambition}
{Objective: Prevent the Shattering.}
{Reward(s): ???}
No need to tell me that, because I'll prevent it regardless.
And the first step to doing that is to find a way out from this God-forsaken place.
{Personal Quest Created!}
{Escape Plan}
{Objective(s): Find a way out of the Shunning Grounds.}
{Reward(s): Your Freedom}
Another new quest? Works for me.
But the only problem is that damn seal that's in the way.
You see, any tunnels that connect the Shunning Grounds to the outside world all have special seals.
These seals work 24/7, erecting a barrier of gold that only prevents Omens from passing through them.
If an Omen gets close to it, they are violently repelled and heavily injured.
At my current level, I wouldn't even be able to get within 5 meters of that seal before I get blasted away.
I know because I already tried once in the past, and almost ended up dying.
So I gotta grind and level up to a point where I can brute force my way through.
In other words, I need more power!
And in order to become strong, I can either level up and gain stat points, or train and gain stat points.
Hmm… on second thought, I'll just do both.
As I was able to get my thoughts in order and my goals set, I went back to Gordon's place.
But before I started walking away…
Thump, thump, thump.
The sound of footsteps reached my ears, and I turned towards one of the archways leading deeper into the sewers.
Squinting my eyes, I was able to make out a humanoid figure.
With a slow gait, they walked towards me, dragging something behind them.
Once they got closer, I realized it was an adult, male Omen, returning after hunting his food.
He held a crudely made axe, hoisted on his shoulder while dragging the carcass of a rat, twice the size of the one Mehg and I had killed.
Realizing there was no danger, I relaxed my guard and began walking away.
Arriving at the entrance, I pushed aside the curtain and walked back inside Gordon's room-kitchen.
"And then, drother was like Schlick! And sta'ed its other eye, 'ringing it down!"
As I entered, I was met with Mehg animatedly telling Gordon the details of our venture.
She was done eating and probably chose to pass the time telling him about our exploits.
"Well, you definitely could've done better, but that's not too bad for your first time," he responded, criticizing and commending us at the same time.
Mehg being Mehg, puffed her chest in pride, completely ignoring the first part.
"Praise her not excessively, lest she gaineth a big head."
I announced my presence, causing both to turn towards me.
"Eh, don't worry too much about it, a little praise goes a long way," he said offhandedly.
However, he noticed something out of place once he fully took in my appearance.
"Did you change your clothing?" he asked, feeling something amiss.
"No," I answered, saying nothing more.
"I see… musta been my eyes playin' tricks on me then."
Well, my current clothing isn't the same as what I wore before.
I had to buy a robe from the {Shop} since my old one had multiple holes from when I used it as a distraction against the Dungeon Boss.
It was also a tattered robe, similar to my old one, so I could pass it off as the same.
But I couldn't exactly tell him that, now could I?
Walking up to the table, I took a seat beside my sister.
Once I got settled, all three of us sat in silence for a few moments, before Gordon broke the ice.
"So, I heard from your sister that the hunt went quite well," he started the conversation with the topic of our hunt.
"For the most part," I corrected, causing him to raise an eyebrow.
"The hunt proved somewhat more difficult than I hadst expected," I said, clearing up his confusion.
"It could've turned out worse. Both of you could've been seriously injured, or worse yet, died where we couldn't get to you."
"But it turned out fine, didst it not?" I retorted.
He sighed, deciding to drop the matter entirely.
"Nevermind, at least you weren't hurt, because Tricia would have my hide if you were."
"Ah, come to think of it, didst she tell thee of her next visit?" I asked the question sitting in the back of my mind.
"Hmm, don't think so…" Putting a hand on his chin, he started thinking about something.
"Ah, last she visited, she did say she'd be quite busy, somethin' about her employer bein' pregnant…"
He trailed off at the end, trying to remember if she told him anything else.
But my mind was elsewhere, piecing together his words.
Tricia being busy… her employer being pregnant… who, if I remember correctly is actually Queen Marika…
Wait, does that mean Godwyn's going to be born soon?
That explains why the number of Tricia's visits decreased.
However, I do wonder why it took so many years for him to be born.
Was it because they were too busy ruling to do the deed? Or did our birth leave an indelible scar on her psyche?
If it was the latter… Well, it's not my fault that my dad has a shit pull-out game.
Besides, this works for me, as I can figure out where I am in the timeline to a certain degree.
Of course, I won't be able to predict the timing of every major event from the game, but at least I have a frame of reference.
"That was a few weeks ago, so she should be visiting soon," he said, trying to reassure us.
I hope so, because I have a lot of questions I wanna ask her.
"Gordon, Gordon," Out of nowhere, Mehg piped up from beside me, "Doth thou knoweth Tricia's e… enk–"
"Employer," I corrected her, seeing as she was having trouble pronouncing.
"E'loyer?" she finally said, still ending up butchering the word.
Oh well, at least she's trying her best… maybe I should start teaching words that are easier to pronounce.
"Who she works for?" He mulled over her question, before telling her of what he knew.
"Well, she is a Perfumer, and from what I know and heard from her and the others that come down here, a Perfumer is quite the respected profession.
"So, going by that, her employer must be someone quite high up in the hierarchy." As she listened, she bowed her head, a slight frown set on her face.
"Yet, so'eone of her stature co'eth down here, 'ringing 'ood and su'lies 'or everyone," she questioned, sounding somewhat uncertain.
To her, Tricia was as close as someone could get to a mother figure, yet she was also this figure shrouded in mystery.
So learning about Tricia's place in society must be a shock.
After all, why would someone on the same level as a noble bother coming down here?
So before her doubts could pile up, I jumped in.
"Doth it truly matter?" I asked, interrupting her train of thought.
"Drother?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"I asked, doth it matter?" I repeated a second time.
"Well, no, 'ut–"
She tried to speak, but I cut her off.
"Doth thou remember?" I asked, drudging up a memory from years ago, "When first we descended here?"
She took a deep breath and looked into my eyes as she nodded.
"Bringing us underground, into the sewers, she could hath left us anywhere. Yet, she didst not."
"Then, she visited us as much as she couldst, bringing with her provisions to sustain us and help us grow."
"Spending time with us, taking care and ensuring we grew up healthy despite our circumstances."
Indulging in my memories, I reminisced, remembering the time before our memories were sealed and we were exiled here.
About the time we spent above ground, in the heart of the still-expanding Royal Capital, hidden deep within the Royal Palace, away from the rest of the world.
Of when we'd roam those gilded halls, playing about carelessly as a child would, ignorant of the world outside, and its dangers.
Back then, we were never alone, as Tricia would always vigilantly watch like a hawk, ready to act when we landed in trouble.
Whenever we'd hurt ourselves, she'd act instantly, using expensive tonics for the lightest injuries.
In a way, I guess she was also a mother figure that I didn't have in this life.
She always had our best interests at heart, so I didn't want to see my sister doubt her sincerity, after all she's tried to do for us.
"So what if she is supposedly someone of a high rank? It doth not erase the goodwill and care she bathed us in."
She seemed taken aback the more I spoke, before looking down, mulling over what I said.
From across the table, Gordon started speaking, getting both of our attention.
"I don't know why she comes down here, but I do know one thing…"
She tilted her head in confusion as he took a breath before continuing.
"I know that she really cares about you two for some reason," he told her clearly, before grabbing his cane and leaning on it as he stood up.
"I won't say anythin' further because your brother already said what needed to be said."
"But I want you to keep this in mind," Walking over to his bed, he turned towards us for a moment.
"Even if for some reason, Tricia abandons the rest of us… she will never abandon the two of you, no matter what happens."
Mehg listened, her mind in turmoil as she tried to come to a resolution.
Taking a few moments, she reluctantly nodded, silently saying she understood.
Seeing that, Gordon let slip a small smile, before wiping it off quickly so no one could see it.
Jokes on him, I caught him in 4K UHD.
"Well, now that you're full, you both can leave so I can get some time to myself," he told us.
Seeing a little opportunity for some fun, I first got up from the chair, ensuring that Mehg did the same.
Then, I offhandedly commented, "Look sister, Gordon is embarrassed."
He absentmindedly nodded, before doing a double-take as he realized I'd caught him lacking.
"What did you say, you little twat?!" he shouted upon hearing my verbal jab, as a vein bulged on his temple.
Raising his cane, he waved it around in anger.
Seeing my comment hit the mark, I grabbed her hand, bolting out of the room.
Behind me, I could hear him screaming profanities at me.
God, he's such a tsundere.
Beside me, I could hear my sister giggling and shaking, trying to keep the laughter inside.
Once we had traveled far enough, we slowed down to a walking pace. It was a short sprint, so neither of us felt winded.
We– well, she had woken up not too long ago, so there was no point in returning to the sleeping quarters.
Instead, we walked ahead with no destination in mind, while still holding held hands.
"So, how doth thou feeleth?" I asked, turning my face towards her.
"I feel… all right," she answered, while still staring ahead.
We didn't stop walking, but the conversation began to die down as she let go of my hand.
A few moments later, she looked at me, anxiously fiddling with her fingers, and asked, "Art thou cross with 'e?"
I raised an eyebrow, confused as to where this came from.
"No, why?"
"Oh… I conceived in my mind thou wert," she said, misunderstanding my earlier actions. However, I could tell she felt relieved as her shoulders sagged and she no longer looked tense.
Hearing her reasoning, I sighed, stopping and turning towards her.
"Thou didst nothing to draw my ire. T'is understandable that thou wouldst feeleth doubt and uncertainty after hearing what thou heardst."
"Even so, if thou findeth her untrustworthy, then I ask of thee," –putting my hand on her shoulder, I squeezed in silent support– "believe in the me that believes in her."
A few moments of silence passed between us after I said that. As she tilted her head in confusion, I realized she did not understand the phrase.
Nevertheless, she ignored the strange phrase, shaking her head at my previous statement.
"Whether or not she hideth somethings 'rom us, I choose to 'elieveth in her 'ast actions, in how she treated, and cared 'or us."
She spoke, this time without a hint of doubt in her tone.
"So… I doth not dou't her."
Seeing her resolve, I couldn't say anything in response, so instead, I showed my appreciation through my actions.
I gave her head pats.
She leaned into my hand like a cat, enjoying the feeling as I gently ran my hand through her hair, untangling any knots I ran into.
She stood still for a while as I indulged her, before I stopped, deciding to do the rest later.
Feeling my hand leave her head, she followed it intently, gazing at it in yearning.
I used my other hand to flick her forehead, snapping her out of it.
She whined a little, massaging the spot where she got hit as she asked, "What now?"
What now, huh? Lemme think…
Ah right, I just remembered something.
The last time I used {Observe} on Mehg, it told me that the skill level was too low.
But there was a feature in this system that might just allow me to bypass that.
Opening up the Menu, I went into {Settings}, recalling a specific option I had turned on before.
{ – Settings – }
{Party System: On}
There it is.
Though I'm not completely sure if it'll work… but that's why Rusty is here, isn't he?
So crossing my fingers, I decided to ask him.
Hey Rusty, quick question?
[Ask ahead…]
If I were to add someone to my Party, does that mean I can view their status… and skills?
X – X – X – X – X – X
AN: I've been wondering, is the pacing alright, or should I start speeding things up a little?