[You Have Leveled Up!]
[You Have Learned x2 Skills!]
[You Have Gained x50 Coins!]
"(These are all the rewards from the quest?)" Atkinson said inwardly with a hint of disappointment. "(Thought they'd be more. But at least all my health and stamina is restored when I level up.)"
"(Status)"
[Status]
[Name: Atkinson Edwards.
Age: 27.
Level: 3 (160/300).
Class: None.
Job: None.
Titles: None.
Coins: 50.
Health Points: 120/120.
Mana Points: 120/120
Stamina Points: 380/380.]
[Attributes]
[Strength: 18.
Intelligence: 12.
Dexterity: 16.
Agility: 20.
Vitality: 12.
Unallocated Points: 6]
[Skills]
[Active Skills:
[Evasion] [Second Wind]
Passive Skills:
[Status Peek]
[Equipment]
[None]
[Items]
[None]
[Name: Evasion.
Tier: Common.
Level 1: (1/3).
Mastery: 0%
Description: Quickly dodge a single attack, avoiding damage and creating distance. Can't be used on AOE moves.
Additional Effects:
- Increase movement speed by 30% for 2 seconds.
Cooldown: 20 seconds.
Mana Cost: 25.]
[Name: Second Wind.
Tier: Rare.
Level: 1 (1/3)
Mastery: 0%
Description: Recover 10% health and stamina and gain a temporary shield.
Cooldown: 24 hours.
Mana Cost: 50.]
"(These are quite useful skills. But still, how did I end up my own game?)" Atkinson inquired. "(Second Wind is the skill I got as a reward and Evasion is what got for leveling up.)"
[You'll be teleported to Aetherium!]
Suddenly, Atkinson was developed in a blinding light and he disappeared.
[You have arrived in Elyria (Western Continent)]
***
In the world of Aetherium, there are five continents each containing five countries. And each country containing there own number of territory, which are similar to provinces, parishes or counties in the real world.
There is Elyria, the Western Continent and the most safest. Kyrios, the Eastern Continent known, which is entirely made up of deserts. Valtoria, the Northern Continent and the coldest. Aerthys, the Southern Continent. Despite it manageable cold weather, it is the second most dangerous continent due to the spawn rate of monsters that vary in Grade. And finally, Nefaria, the central and Dark Continent.
In Aetherium, the story tells how monsters came into the world. On Nefaria, only known as the Central Continent at the time, portals connected to other worlds emerged. After a year of monsters flowing out, they disappeared, and Nefaria became the Dark Continent due to high concentration of monsters there. But, there is still a portal there that is connected to the Demon World.
***
Atkinson was now in a luscious plains. He was surrounded by beautiful flowers and other plant life that blowed calmly in the gentle wind. The sun was war, the sky was blue and slightly filled with pure white clouds.
"(This is Elyria? Which territory am I in?)" Atkinson inquired to himself.
He began to look around and could see in the distance a wooden tavern.
Atkinson pondered, "(I might get answers there.)"
After eleven minutes of walking, he reached the tavern. Inside, he could hear loud chattery and sound of glass clacking.
"(I wonder if there will be anyone that had end up in my situation in there.)" Atkinson pondered.
He pushed up the door and entered the tavern. Inside had a lively and socially atmosphere, and it was infectious, drawing patrons in with its warm and welcoming vibe. The air was alive with the hum of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as strangers became fast friends over mugs of frothy ale and plates of savory fare.
People were sharing tales, locals debated and joked with familiar faces, and the sound of music filled the air. In every corner, games of chance and skill unfolded - cards, dice, and chess - fueling competition.
No one seemed to mind the new face that entered. Atkinson walked straight towards a young man that seemed to be a bartender.
He asked, "Hey, which territory is this?"
"That's a strange question," said the male bartender with a hint of confusion. "We're in Greenhaven."
"(Greenhaven. That's right next to Moonstone.)" said Atkinson in his head.
The bartender asked, "Anything else? Like a drink or something?"
Atkinson nodded. "Are there any Licensing Guilds around?"
"Yeah. There is town nearby, just go north and you'll find it," the bartender said while pointing to the left. "Also, if you want, we sell items and equipment."
"Hmm," pondered Atkinson. "How much for an axe and a Basic Skill Book?"
"10 coins for a Basic Skill Book and 5 to 15 coins depending on the axe you want."
"Give me your best axe and Skil Book to learn Chop," said Atkinson as 25 silver coins materialized in his hands from a blue hologram.
[-25 Coins]
[Coins: 25]
"Ahh, you're a Braveheart. I'll get your items right away," said the male bartender as he entered behind the tavern.
"(Braveheart? That's what a term that NPCs use to address Players.)" said Atkinson inwardly. "(So I guess there are people like me, but none of them are here.)"
A few seconds later, the bartender came out with his items and placed them on the table.
"Here are your items sir," said the bartender. "Have a good day."
"(Hmph. I hate people who say that.)"
Atkinson took up the axe and placed it on his shoulder, then the skill box.
[You Have Gained x1 Axe!]
[You Have Gained x1 Basic Skill Book: Chop!]
[Would You Like To Learn This Skill?]
[Yes/No]
Atkinson then turned and walked out of the tavern.
The bartender said, "Huh, I guess he doesn't respond to greetings."
Outside, Atkinson pressed the button yes.
[You Have Learned x1 Skill!]
[Skill]
[Name: Chop.
Tier: Uncommon.
Level: 1 (1/3)
Mastery: 0%
Description: Deliver a chopping blow that deals +20% Attack.
Requirements: Blades Weapons
Cooldown: 1.5 seconds.
Mana Cost: 45.]
"(Nice, this is going be a perfect skill for what I am going to use.)" Atkinson said inwardly.
He began to venture towards north. As expected, he didn't run into any monsters as Elyria was the safest Continent and Greenhaven was the safest territory inside it.
After one hour of walking, he finally saw a village on the horizon.
"(Finally. The sun was burning my hair off.)"
Atkinson entered the town. There weren't any guards or a gate protecting the place, probably due to the fact it didn't need protection.
The town was filled with wooden houses. Some were small and others were tall. Eventually, Atkinson made it towards a building that had 'Greenhaven's Licensing Guild' as a signage.
Atkinson entered by pushing open the door. Inside was pretty empty with the exception of two people being seated and the receptionist at the front desk.
He walked towards the front desk and asked, "I am here for a Hunter's License."
"What else would you get," said the woman. She had nazy blue hair and cyan eyes. "A big guy like you wouldn't choose to be an Adventurer. Come with me."
***
Hunters and Adventurers are the two and only distinct jobs that can be obtained in Aetherium. Hunters are skilled killers, specializing in bringing down wild animals, monsters, or targeted prey, with expertise in survival, combat, and tactics. Most times, they are recruited to become mercenaries.
In contrast, Adventurers are explorers who embark adventures. There task is to collect information about different creatures and environments. Even though they possess skills, their strong point is in combat but problem-solving.
While both Hunters and Adventurers operate in uncertain environments, facing danger and risk, their focus and methodologies differ.
***
Atkinson went through the door that lead behind the guild. Inside the room was a large, transparent orb that was stationed on top of a dark pillar.
"I'll need to place your hand on the orb and then I will be able to forge your license," she said with a sense of laziness.
Atkinson said inwardly, "(So she is also an NPC. She would know that Players attribute differ. If I place my hand on that orb, it'll measure my mana, not my overall power.)"
He strided towards the orb and placed his hand on it.
"(Whatever.)"
As soon as he touched the orb, it glowed white.
"Damn, maybe you should have become an Adventurer," said the receptionist. "But don't worry, you'll eventually get stronger."
Atkinson glared at her with eyes filled with impatience.
The lady, now frightened, said, "Ahem. I'll go forge your Hunter's License. I'll need your name, age, class and what is your specialty."
"Atkinson Edwards, 27, I have no class and my specialty is Close-Quarter-Combat," Atkinson responded.
As she went towards the room at the side, she pondered, "(How could such a weak person have such a terrifying gaze?)"
A minute passed and the lady came back. She had a small ID in her hand and she then gave it to Atkinson.
"Here," she said.
[Hunter's License]
[License Number: HL-XXXX-XXXX.
[Name: Atkinson Edwards.
Rank: F.
Class: Classless.
Specialization: Close-Quarter-Combat.
Issued By: Greenhaven Licensing Guild.
Date Issued: Terra, Ignis 27, 3000.
Expiration Date: Axiom, Vitalist 6, 3001.]
License Requirements:
Completed Training: 0% - (0/20)
Passed Examination: None.
Revocation:
- This license may be revoked if the licensee fails to engage in the hunting of monsters.]
"Remember to come back for a examination," said the receptionist.
"Sure," answered Atkinson as he walked out the door.
As he strided away, he looked at his license.
"(My license requirements aren't filled out, yet. Probably that's what she meant.)" Atkinson said inwardly. "(I won't be able to go into D-rank Gates, Dungeons or even the Tower of Trails.)"
[Quest Has Arrived!]
[Quest]
[Name: Complete Requirements.
Difficultly: Normal.
Description: You Have Received Your License But Your Examination Is Done. Complete Your Tests And Become A True Hunter.
Clear Condition: Complete Tests (0/20).
Fail Condition: Expiration Of Duration.
Penalty: Lost Of License.
Duration: 1 Month.
Rewards: x5 Healing Potion and x2 Gauntlet]
"(Oh, wait. I should get a hunting quest first and buy a few bottles.)"
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: Soul Eater.