[Congratulations! You are the first to visit the village of Skiavra.]
[+25 influence points.
Influence points can be spent on acquiring unique abilities, as well as buying lands, construction, or exchanged for useful information about the world of "Empyrean." Be careful when spending influence points; who knows when they might be needed...]
[You receive the title "Pioneer."
Description: You first discovered unexplored territory.
+2% to experience gained in Skiavra territory;
+1% to character speed.]
After reading the message, RAVen closed it and looked around. He stood in Skiavra's central square, near a fountain with a statue of a short woman in a dress at its center, who was reaching her hands upward as if asking something of her God. Around were small wooden houses and several open stalls of local vendors.
The guy looked up. The sun brightly blinded and warmed with its rays, and the wind kept rushing by, pleasantly cooling the skin with its touch. It was hard to believe that a game could be like this. The "Heavenly House" corporation had truly created something incredible.
"Hm... It's quite empty here. Usually, central squares are packed with players. Could this be some remote starting location? And, by the way, how do I even know which floor I'm on?"
There was no information about this on the game's website. The developers' answer was simple:
"We don't interfere with the gameplay except in special cases."
"Well. Time to start working."
That's right, he came not to play, but to work. In "Empyrean," inventory was tied to a ring on the hand. It had the symbol "∞" representing infinity or rebirth. The starting ring had twenty inventory slots. To expand it, one just needed to pay a mage.
In this game's world, there were no labels above NPCs' or monsters' heads. To view information about them, one had to use identification/inspection. This skill was given immediately upon character creation and was at apprentice level. It allowed seeing the name/title, level, and health of subjects. The higher the "identification" skill level, the more information the player received.
When a player died, one or several items that were on the character during death remained in the ring. If a PK player died, they lost all their items that were on the character during death with 100% probability.
Opening the inventory, Kane looked at what was given at the game's start. Five pieces of bread for health replenishment, simple pants, shirt, and boots. They added absolutely no characteristics: ordinary rags just to avoid walking around naked. There were also ten copper coins and a low-level lockpick set. Apparently, this was for opening simple locks.
"Well, my class is rogue, heh-heh."
Closing the inventory, RAVen opened the character window. There were basic characteristics − standard for every player who chose the rogue class at the initial game stage. Besides this, the system gave each player ten free characteristic points and one skill point. With each character level increase, they received five characteristic points and one skill point for every five levels.
For any good player starting to play, it was important to determine the ultimate goal to avoid creating a "lame" character. For Kane, the ultimate goal was maximum damage and mobility, as he planned to play solo. What would be needed in case of a large-scale mission, if a dungeon or raid boss run would be necessary, he'd think about later. His goal was to become a melee fighter.
Yes, at first they're as fragile as Chinese vases, but with proper equipment and titles, this could be compensated for. Therefore, he didn't think long about where to put characteristic points. Into strength? Three points, into dexterity six, and one into energy. Strength allowed dealing more damage through one-handed and two-handed weapons. Through dexterity, damage from ranged weapons and daggers increased. Energy was what non-magic class skills used. Like endurance: one unit of this characteristic added ten points to the maximum energy reserve.
Then came skills. In this game, they were divided into five levels:
Apprentice — Journeyman — Master — Grand Master — Legend.
After considering the available options, of which there were only three, he decided to invest the point in a passive skill: "In Sight." Frequent use of the skill raised it to the next level. The value of passive skills raised itself over time and depended on the frequency of triggering, its active work, or benefit brought to the player.
[You have learned the skill.
"In Sight"
Passive skill: Apprentice.
Description: Increases mastery of ranged weapons.
+ 2% chance to deal critical damage with ranged weapons.]
Looking around, Kane moved toward the nearest stalls. It was worth seeing what they were selling and checking prices. Inside the first one, like outside, there wasn't a single player, and the owner himself was nodding off. Until this day, Kane had read lots of information about "Empyrean." The merchant, as if sensing him, startled and his lips instantly stretched into a good-natured smile:
"Welcome to my shop. Light weapons, jewelry, and equipment — all at reasonable prices."
"Hello," RAVen started walking along the displays. Seeing a rather quality dagger and taking it in hand, he applied "inspect," but what he saw stunned him.
"Twenty-one gold for a dagger?"
[Needle of Despair
Rank: Gold.
Requirements:
Strength – 90;
Dexterity – 140;
Characteristics:
Damage 107-125;
+7% chance of armor penetration;
+4% chance to dodge;
+5% chance to cause bleeding for 7 seconds.
Restrictions: Rogue.]
Looking at the characteristics, RAVen was even more stunned. Though inexperienced, he understood that such weapons shouldn't be in a starting location for level one-to-five players. Items and weapons by quality were divided into ranks: bronze, silver, gold, diamond, and epic was the best rank. At least, that's what was written on the game's website.
In each weapon rank, you could collect a set that differed from equipment of the same level with higher indicators.
"What kind of weapon is this? Who can even afford it at the initial stage?"
Deciding to look at something else, he quickly regretted it. Everything here was minimum level "30+."
"Something strange is happening."
Kane, without saying goodbye, left the shop and moved to the nearest bulletin board. He had some very bad feeling.
[Client: Millie's Armory.
Objective: Bring armored tiger hides.
Reward: 4 gold per hide.]
[Client: Drunk Dick's Tavern
Objective: Deliver "Dawn's Brew Flowers" from the northwestern forest side
Reward: Due to increased danger in their growing areas, one flower is taken for 7 gold.
Note: Don't think about consuming these flowers. Without proper processing, death is guaranteed.]
And the entire board was covered in this manner. Rewards were extremely high for a starting location village.
"What the hell is going on here? Well, I think the rat mission is always relevant."
[Client: Oldak.
Objective: Destroy rats that have multiplied in the local warehouse basement.
Reward: 2 gold for each kill of these nasty creatures.]
"Maybe this is what the developers talked about? Unique game system and so on. Rewards aren't standard, which means monsters here are stronger than those inhabiting initial stages in any other game?" — with these thoughts RAVen tore off the paper.
[You have accepted the quest: Destroy the rats.
Find Oldak and learn the circumstances of the rats' appearance.
Reward: 50 experience.]
The warehouse was located on the village outskirts. It was large and looked abandoned. But before entering inside, it was worth finding the client.
"Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find Mr. Oldak?"
The old woman he addressed looked at him carefully before answering:
"He's drinking. Since rats appeared in the warehouse, not a day without a bottle."
"How long ago did the rats appear?"
"About three days ago."
"Thank you."
After some time, he finally found the tavern, which was the only one in this village. Inside it was a bit dark, but his eyes quickly adjusted. Finding Oldak, the rogue headed toward him.
"Greetings, Mr. Oldak."
His drunken gaze wandered around for some time before focusing on Kane.
"Who might you be, lad? Haven't seen you before in our Skiavra."
"I'm White Raven and I've taken on your rat extermination task. Can you share any useful information? When and how did they appear? How many are there, do they have any weaknesses, what do they fear?"
"Ah, the contract. Has someone finally decided to help me?" − he seemed to sober up a bit and focused on our conversation.
"They appeared three days ago, at night. My house is nearby, and so when I heard strange noise at the warehouse, I went out to check what's wrong. And when I opened the door, I saw these monsters. There were four or five of them, they seemed to be looking for something, tearing apart boxes and barrels with their terrible claws. I barely managed to escape − praise the Gods, they didn't pursue me. About weakness I don't know, but I think all cursed ones fear light magic and can't tolerate it. Only there's no priest in our village."
[You have completed the quest by listening to Oldak's story.
Reward: 50 experience.]
[Destroy the rats that have settled in the warehouse. Bring their skulls as proof.
Reward:
+10000 experience;
+2 gold per rat.]
[Additional task: Find out what exactly the rats were looking for.
Reward: Variable.]
"So you really decided to get rid of the rats?"
"Apparently, yes..." — the rogue answered, now uncertainly.
"Aren't you a bit weak for this, lad?" — His gaze skeptically ran over Kane from head to toe.
"I saw them, they're very strong, and hardly will let themselves be killed so easily."
"That's true," RAVen didn't deny the obvious. "But if not by strength, then by wit I'll manage. You won't consider it impudent, but maybe you could supply me with some weapon temporarily. My weapon was broken after long wandering, and no money to repair it. Just trying to earn some. I promise to return it after completion."
"Hm... I'm afraid it won't help you much. But, here." — He gave me the short sword hanging at his side, and continued: "The main thing for me is to clear the warehouse soon."
"I'll try. And last question: could you tell me where I can buy skill books?"
"It's a bit further, there's a wooden sign with an open book drawn on it. Can't miss it."
"Thank you and goodbye."
["Hunter's Short Sword"
Rank: Bronze.
Requirements:
Strength – 14;
Dexterity – 12;
Characteristics:
Damage 10-13,
+2% chance to cause bleeding, duration 10 seconds.
Restrictions: Melee combat class.]
"You could say, an ideal option for me. But such difference in weapons... Maybe skill books will be inexpensive?"
He found the right place quickly. Unlike the tavern, it was very bright and cozy here. Clearly a respectable establishment. A short, lean old man with glasses hanging on his nose came out to meet him. His sharp gaze seemed to see right through.
"How can I help you, messenger of heaven?"
"Good d... Excuse me, what did you call me?"
"Messenger of heaven."
Kane was taken aback, but the old man continued:
"The ring on your hand. Symbol of rebirth and that the gates will soon be opened."
"Uh..."
"Don't you know what ring is on your hand?" — The old man looked at him suspiciously, waiting for an answer.
Indeed, Kane hadn't been interested in how NPCs perceived players in other games – as far as he knew, AI simply didn't pay attention to this.
"Um... The thing is, I recently woke up in the forest. And I don't remember at all what happened before the moment I woke up. Therefore, knowledge about the ring flew out of my head."
"Oh, Almighty, will all messengers be such dimwits."
Veins on RAVen's forehead suddenly bulged.
"This old man. Does he think I'm an idiot?"
"They told me this would pass soon, maybe you could tell me what you know about the ring?"
"Every resident of our floor knows this. And surely, other floors too. Ancient prophecy said that messengers of heaven would arrive in this world and open the gates to unite our fragmented world. Their symbol will be a ring with the same sign as yours. And until they fulfill their destiny, the messengers will be reborn again and again, carrying on their shoulders the fate ordained by the Gods."
"How interestingly they wove players into this world. I'm impressed."
"Now I remember. Well yes! The fate ordained for us awaits me. But before setting out on the path, I need to become stronger. That's why I'm here. I was told you have skill books, I would like to see what's available."
"No, definitely dimwits... Started speaking some pompous speeches." — And shook his head so condemning that RAVen began losing patience.
"Oh you, nasty old man!"
But he, thank god, couldn't read minds and continued.
"Yes, yes, wait a bit." — He went out for a couple minutes to his room and returned with a small book in hand.
"Here, in this catalog we have records of product names and prices. Please." — But, stopping halfway, clarified: "I hope you remember how to read?" — And looked at the guy in such a way that his fists started itching.
"Thank you." — Kane took the extended book and began leafing through.
"So-so-so... warrior, monk, druid, vampire — all wrong. Stop, here it is. Rogue. Wow! There are many skills here, and their price!!! Well, I need 'stealth' for now, so... Ste-ealth, stealth, stealth..."
The guy muttered to himself and ran his finger along neatly written lines. Aha.
[Skill book: "Invisibility"
Active skill: Apprentice.
Description: Applies invisibility to character. Effect falls off in case of attack.
Energy cost: 20.
Duration: 30 seconds.
Cooldown: 7 seconds.
Restrictions: Rogue, Thief, Phantom Demon.]
"Price... One and a half gold!? That's a lot. That's very much!"
Considering that one gold is a hundred silver, and one silver is a hundred copper, the scale of the problem inspired trembling.
"It shouldn't cost so much!"
In any game such skill went for maximum six copper coins. He remembered lots of guides for different classes. Stupid of course to compare them, but still.
Time showed that game information was well absorbed by him unlike physics, mathematical analysis and other similar subjects. He knew that a rogue needed this skill like air. RAVen looked at this book and felt his anger pulsing. His hope for cheap skills didn't come true.
"It's like I ended up on a floor with loan sharks," − Kane sighed sorrowfully.
So, having received information and some semblance of a weapon, and also having marked the primary goal, he headed to the warehouse.