Ch.4: Quests are awesome!
YGGDRASILL the DMMO-RPG game world in the Overlord. Is an advanced VR game which was famous for it's hyper-realistic visuals and extreme freedom and versatility it provides the players.
The game primary categorizes the races of players in three main categories: Humans, Demi-Humans, and Heteromorphic.
The Demi-Humans and Heteromorphic races are generally the only ones allowed to have racial jobs which grants them the privilege of being able to build one-field specialized Avatar.
While Those with Humans as their Race don't have any specific classes and can make a character more versatile.
Building a Mage + Knight type character while not worrying about not having sufficient job class and making a perfect hybrid Avatar. Such things are possible for a Human player.
In such environment, the Heteromorphic players have more than 3000 species to choose from while there are over 3500 basic and advanced classes available in the game to unlock and choose from through various conditions.
Such that, it is virtually impossible to make identical characters unless one is deliberately trying to do so.
But that is only true for Heteromorphic players.
When the game starts more and more Human players will have identical builds even when one includes that there is player who might accidently create blacksmith type and warrior type hybrid characters more often than not.
At this point the best way to level up and acquire most Job Classes is through fight and defeating monsters in the hunting ground.
But there is one more option available for the Humanoid players; to do quests!
This is especially good option for Eugene who doesn't have attack type skills and can die for real if he were to ever die in-game.
"Especially so when I am the only player for the next five years to come." Said Eugene realizing that the chances of getting hidden quest do exist if he his luck were to shine again.
There was one more reason, he didn't get any good beginner equipment.
When a player logs in for the first time, they get a beginner equipment which may or may not be an unranked equipment.
He hoped to get a decent one, but his start was not as good.
Though he got five beginner items, all of them were unranked.
Even though this is a game world, but he may really die if he died here, that's why looking for a quest to obtain some will be a favorable idea than going to hunting with useless beginner equipment.
Thinking that, he stood about the road, sighting at the mesmerizing visuals in front of him.
As he was about to start walking, he realized that there was a purple handkerchief in front of him.
What's this?
As he picked up the handkerchief, a window opened in front of him.
[Name: Purple Handkerchief
Class: Unknown
Introduction: A handkerchief used by a young girl. You can still sniff her sent of it.]
Handkerchief? Is it an equipment? It does shows lowest rank… But is this really one?
Just as he picked up the handkerchief an NPC in the form of an old woman appeared right in front of him.
"Fuck!! That almost scared me!"
He shouted in surprise at the sudden ghost like appearance of the old woman.
But she remained as monotonic as she was as if she didn't notice anything wrong.
She walked straight in front of him. When she saw the handkerchief at his hand, small drops of tears started to appear from her eyes.
"Isn't… Isn't this my poor granddaughter's handkerchief? It's actually here."
Her robot-like face gained emotions and he stared at the handkerchief in his hand, as she spoke.
"Brave adventurer, can you give me the handkerchief in your hand? This is the only thing my granddaughter left for me."
<
[Quest: Help the old woman!]
[Objective: Do the sad old woman a favor by returning the handkerchief of her granddaughter!]
[Reward: Randomly decided by the old woman.]
[Punishment: None.]
"Does this handkerchief belong to your granddaughter?" He asked.
"Yes, brave adventurer. As long as you're willing to give it to me, I am willing to exchange everything I have for it."
"Since it's your granddaughters belonging, I will return it to you." He said as he handed her the handkerchief.
After all it was just an attribute less item of unknown class even. It is useless to him better if it helps him complete a quest than nothing.
"Thank you! God bless you, brave adventurer! I have a shit here. I'll exchange it with you!"
She said as she took out a shirt from her bag giving it to him.
[Congratulations you have completed 'Quest: Help the old woman'.]
[Your experience points have risen by 30%]
[You have obtained item 'Silk Shirt']
[Name: Silk Shirt
Class: High
Defense: +4%
Health Point: +6%
Regen. Rate: +5%
Introduction: The old woman's best work. Every stitch and thread are of detailed calculation.
Requirement: Below level 30.]
'!!!'
It is actually a High-Class item! Eugene's eyes widen in disbelief.
In YGGDRASILL, the items are divided into 9 classes. They were Unknown, Low, Medium, High, Top, Legacy, Relic, Legacy, Relic, Legendary, and Divine.
Though he doesn't much about how system works.
But it is obvious that people don't get a High-Class item till much later.
Though there is an annoying requirement of not being able to use it after level 30, it is absolutely the best one he could find before level 30.
'Where is that old woman! I must thank her for the gift!' Thought Eugene as he raised his head above.
Only to see the NPC long gone like she was never there.
The only thing he could see was the new notification that appeared before him.
[Congratulations for completing the first ever quest in YGGDRASILL!]
[You have completed the condition required for new Title! You get the 'Title: Quest Seeker-I']
Although he obtained a new Title, he dismissed the notification and equipped the Silk Shirt.
At first it was a bit oversized, but it quickly adjusted its size to fit him well.
Just as he wore that, he thought of making his way towards the hunting ground.
"After all it won't much matter if I just check the effect of the equipment, right?" He muttered to himself, "Alright, let's go and level up at least once!"
Eugene was in good mood after getting a High-Class item. He was just about to go out to fight monsters. The beginner equipment(shirt) still in his hands.
Just then…
A burly man suddenly appears.
The man was running over the streets.
He was bare chested and only wore a pair of shorts.
He looked flustered and turned around from time to time, looking very pitiful.
It seemed to be a named NPC.
It was the first named NPC he saw, although he had seen many NPC's but all of them only had the tag of [NPC] on their head, even the old woman he previously met.
Normal NPC's have a predetermined script that only they follow, that much he knows.
But a named NPC is different, they each have a different storyline and importance in the game.
It is possible to get some good quest if you meet a named NPC in unusual situations.
"This looks like an unusual situation to me."
Just then the burly man looked at him, and a pleasant smile spread on him face, as he hurriedly ran towards him.
<
"Little brother! I have a favor to ask!" The burly man said as he held the pole by the side of the road which who knows why is in the middle of a perfectly operational road.
'Why the heck are poles here anyway?' He thought as he saw then man panting like a dog in summer.
"What's the matter?" He asked in return of his question.
He asked dumbfounded as he looked at the man. What's going on? Why were NPC's coming his ways at every step like passengers to train?
"Little Brother, can you lend me this shirt to wear? I'm in a hurry."
'???'
…
<
[Quest: Help the Alchemist!]
[Objective: Give the Alchemist Fin a piece of equipment so he could have something to wear.]
[Reward: 1. Reputation increased with Alchemist Fin. 2. A Random potion*2. 3. ???]
[Punishment: None.]
Borrow clothes? A named NPC wants to borrow clothes from him? A newbie player?
Eugene sized up the burly man.
This fellow was naked and running around the streets in broad daylight with a flustered expression. He probably has done something shameful.
However, if he only wants clothes in Eugene's hands. There was no harm in giving it to him.
Anyway, even if he sells it, it will go for just a few copper coins, more than which can be earned by hunting one monster.
Afterall it's just a beginner item, which he hadn't even worn for one hour.
At the thought of this, Eugene handed the clothes to the burly man without thinking. Even going as far as adding a hint of concern in his voice.
"Big Brother, quickly put it on. Be careful not to catch a cold!"
The burly man took the clothes with a touched expression and said, "Little brother, thank you really. I don't have anything to give you right now. But I have a few bottles of "Vitality enhancement potions" here. Take and use it!"
The burly man threw a small bottle of medicine over. Eugene looked it and checked it.
[You have obtained item 'Vitality enhancement Potion']
[Name: Vitality Enhancement Potion
Class: Low
Effect: Miraculous Medicine! After taking it, you can go on from evening to morning, for hours non-stop! Even monsters can experience pleasure of flesh it they come in contact with it.
Made by: Alchemist Fin
Requirement: None]
After reading the description, Eugene's face immediately darkened. What the alchemist gave him is actually an aphrodisiac!
Eugene's face darkened seeing this.
The seeing this the Alchemist wanted to tell his not to underestimate his potion, but realized that the person in front of him is actually just a 10 year old kid!
"Um-arghk!" He wanted to say more but he couldn't find the words to defend himself.
Eugene the potions in his hand and remained silent.
"Uh…" The burly man was a little embarrassed.
He scratched his head and said, "Little brother, you don't like this. Hmm, let me think, what else do I have… Sigh, it mainly because this incident happened too suddenly. I didn't have time to put on my clothes before…"
Only then Eugene realized that the NPC before him is an adulterer! Using aphrodisiac he made to have an affair…
He had imagined that the named NPC's will each have their own unique stories. Little did he expected that…
There would be such a great background story for the first named NPC he encountered!
At that moment, he took of a ring on his finger and handed it to Eugene.
"Little brother, this is the only valuable thing I have. I'll give it to you. I'm the alchemist of the village, if you have any potions to buy you can look for me. Remember to keep what ever happened today a secret."
With that Alchemist Fin ran through the shadows, quicky disappearing into the background.
This time, Eugene lost a piece of unranked equipment and exchanged it for a Low rank potion and a ring.
He once again looked at the bottle of Vitality enhancement potion and put it in the inventory, thinking that it can be sold at some shop for some money.
Afterall it's still, a low rank item despite its particularity.
Then he looked at the ring.
[Congratulations you have completed 'Quest: Help the Alchemist!]
[Your experience points have risen by 50%]
[You have obtained item 'Compound-Bronze Ring']
[Name: Compound-Bronze Ring
Class: High
Magic Def: +3%
Effect: Can resist any debuff twice a day.
Introduction: A ring made of Broze metal with unknown metal compound. No one knows it's use. It may be a key to open a certain door.
Requirement: None]
"…"
Eugene was speechless.
Another High-Class item?
And it's not even an hour now! How good is that!
Eugene was extremely excited. He has not even moved more than a few steps from the spot he appeared, and he already got 2 High-Class items for free. This luck could only be described as miraculous.
Could this be effect of 'Luck Eclipse'?
If this is true, then it really is an overpowered ability. Too bad it will only last till today.
"I have decided! Today will be an all-quest day!" He said as he readied himself to explore every corner of the whole beginner village in hope of attracting new quests.
…
Evening.
At the corner of the somewhat silent street, Eugene sat at the end of the bench, looking quite tired and worn out.
Looking at him some might say that he looks like someone failed in life or is victim of 'High Hope Less Performance Disorder'.
Though it did look unnatural due to his age and handsome features.
Still if any woman saw him most of them will be more than willing to more than just comforting him.
Pity, in this whole game he is the only human.
But that's not the point.
The point is that he looked sad.
But things were actually just the opposite.
"I am suffering from success." Eugene said softly as he looked at the window in front of him.
[Congratulations for becoming the first player to do 25 quests in a day in YGGDRASILL!]
[You have completed the condition required for new Title! You get the 'Title: Quest Seeker-III']
[Congratulations for becoming the first player to accept more than 50 quests in YGGDRASILL!]
[You have completed the condition required for new Title! You get the 'Title: Quest Collector-I']
Seeing his hard work of the day coming to realization he gave a big smile.
At the end of the day, he had completed many small quests and even got multiple quests which will suffice till the next month, some of which even came from some named NPC's, which will undoubtedly result in good rewards.
"Haah, lets go look for some inn to stay in!" He said as he hoped on to the streets.
It was already evening, with him being in this place by default he has to look for a place to sleep and eat.
Not like he can't stay without them, but isn't it better to experience all kind of luxuries in life when you have money? (Even though it's in-game)
Just as he was walking to find his destination, he spotted two figures in some distance away from him.
Two little girls one with silver hair and other with greyish-purple hair standing in the corner caught his attention.
The older one looked around 9 while the younger one appeared to be around 7.
Both of them were wearing linen clothes which did not match their figure and sat dejectedly at the corner.
Their appearance was somewhat tomboyish as they were dressed in such a way, but one could guess that they both were girls if they looked for long enough.
At a corner two somewhat odd colored puppies were staying quietly beside them.
When he saw this scene, his heart skipped a beat. What is this? This is the scent of a mission!
Although Eugene has done many missions today and even has some pending, he can't stop himself from when there is such an obvious plot running in front of him.
Especially when he can clearly see that both of them were named NPC's!
<< Eloise [NPC] Lvl-??>>
<< Ella [NPC] Lvl-??>>
At the thought of this, he walked straight towards them.
"Sigh… Why can't it? It doesn't make sense!" The silver haired girl who appeared to be the older one sighed looking very worried.
"I am sure we can find something! Don't lose hope!" The younger looking girl said trying to cheer her up.
As Eugene walked towards them, their attention was naturally attracted towards him.
Both of them looked at him with their big eyes wide open.
'Cute', He thought as saw them.
"Hello there, young ladies. You seem to be in trouble. Can I help you?" He said with a thoughtful look on his face.
Both of their eyes lit up when they heard that.
"Really? Do you have a way to help?" Said the younger girl with some anticipation in her voice.
"Of course! I believe there is no challenge so mighty that I can't face!" He said, bluffing while giving a comical pose, causing both the girls to giggle.
Hering that the girl called Eloise also felt some hope. "Alright, then I will tell you!" She said as she pulled one dog at her side while Ella pulled another.
"Look, this is Brownie."
She said while holding the Brown colored dog with blue colored marks which seem to form some pattern over its body.
"And this is Whitie."
Said Ella while holding a steel-colored dog with soft green strips on its legs and tails.
Eugene's mouth twitched when he heard the names of the dogs.
These two clearly don't have a good naming sense.
And even the dogs they had were weird.
After introducing the dogs, the silver-haired girl called Eloise started talking once again.
"These were the dogs we found at the forest the other day."
"Other day~"
"Grandma said we can only keep them if we can properly take care of them on our own."
"Hnn~ On our own!"
"But whenever we feed them any food they don't eat."
"They don't eat…"
"It's been three days since they stopped eating. If they fall ill grandma will free them in the forest."
"In the forest…"
As they explained the situation in their own way, the older one took the lead while the younger one just repeated some word highlighting the emotions in them.
Eugene also got a good realization of the situation as a new quest window opened in front of him…
<
…
[Title: Quest Seeker-III
Requirement: First Player to complete 25 quests in a day. Class 'Chosen-One'. Effect: 1. Upon quest completion the chances of follow-up quest is increased by 15%. There is 0.003% chance that quest window will show hidden knowledge about the quest.]
[Title: Quest Collector-I
Requirement: First Player to accept more than 50 quests. Class 'Chosen-One'. Effect: 1. Time requirement for quest completion will be extended by +20%. Upon quest completion you will get +10% reputation.]
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To Be Continued:
[Word Count: 3110]