Ethan walks along the Golden Road, the fiery path glowing like molten gold under the rising sun. The army of hoplites marches in perfect unison, their fiery armor casting flickering shadows on the ground. The air is thick with the scent of ash and embers, and the heat radiates like a living presence.
"hmm"
Ethan mutters to himself, his mind preoccupied. He pulls up his status screen, his eyes scanning the numbers and stats.
____________________________________ ______________________________________________
Name: Ethan Cross
Level: 10
Status: Decrepit Undead
Attributes:
- Strength: 24
- Agility: 46
- Intelligence: 12
- Dexterity: 4
- Perception: 23
- Endurance: 10
Health: 500/500
Mana: 100/100
Inventory:
- Weapon: Kensei Katana
- Clothing: Officer's Uniform (0 Armor)
- Coins: 2,600 (Debt: -15,400)
- Points: 0
__________________________________ ______________________________________________________
"Even if I'm improving... I still don't have access to the shop," Ethan says, his voice tinged with frustration.
The Bone Guard walks beside him, its polished lorica segmentata gleaming in the sunlight.
"Is that something important?"
it asks, its deep, gentlemanly voice filled with curiosity.
"Yes, very important,"
Ethan replies, his tone serious.
"It's the thing that will elevate us to new heights."
A faint smile crosses Ethan's face as he remembers something.
"Maybe I'll get something out of doing some quests"
he says, his voice hopeful.
PING
He hovers over the system interface, his fingers swiping through the menus.
A new panel appears
Quests.
______________________________________________________
Available Quests:
1. Clear the Path:
- Objective: Eliminate 50 infected creatures.
- Reward: 500 Coins, 10 Points.
2. Defend the Citadel:
- Objective: Assist in defending the Central Citadel from an incoming horde.
- Reward: 1,000 Coins, 20 Points.
3. Uncover the Truth:
- Objective: Investigate the origins of the infected.
- Reward: 2,000 Coins, 50 Points.
4. Explore the Citadel:
- Objective: Navigate and map the Central Citadel, uncovering its secrets.
- Reward: 1,500 Coins, 30 Points.
5. Help the Humans:
- Objective: Assist the remaining humans in the Citadel with their needs.
- Reward: 1,200 Coins, 25 Points.
6. Earn Alexandros' Approval:
- Objective: Complete tasks to gain the trust and approval of Alexandros, the head hoplite.
- Reward: 2,000 Coins, 40 Points.
7. Bring the Tri Council to Your Side:
- Objective: Convince the Tri Council to support your cause.
- Reward: 5,000 Coins, 100 Points.
______________________________________ ________________________________________________
Ethan's eyes light up as he reads the quests.
"This is it"
he says, his voice filled with determination.
"If I complete these, I might finally unlock the shop."
The Bone Guard tilts its head, its purple eyes glowing faintly.
"What will you do first, Master?"
Ethan looks ahead, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We'll start with Clear the Path"
he says, his voice steady.
"We need to thin out the infected before they become a bigger problem then we will probably try and make contact with the humans."
The Bone Guard nods, its banner glowing faintly as it prepares for battle. The hoplites march on, their fiery armor reflecting the rising sun.
As they make their way forward, the Living Citadel comes into view—a towering hive city of immense structures that rise like jagged teeth against the horizon. The buildings slope down into a sprawling urban area, their surfaces blackened by volcanic soot. The walls of the Citadel are a steep incline, standing 80 meters tall, their surfaces scarred by time and battle. Yet, despite the wear, the gates glisten with a proud, hypnotic purple hue, their aura both intimidating and mesmerizing.
"Huh, never thought I'd see this again," Ethan mutters, his voice filled with awe.
But as he takes in the sight, he realizes something has changed.
"...The people"
his voice barely above a whisper.
Trade caravans move through the streets, a mix of zombies and skeletons working side by side. They converse, barter, and go about their day as if the divide between life and death no longer matters. Humans are also part of the scene, their presence calm and unhurried, as if they've found a strange peace in this undead city.
"....I guess things do change"
Ethan says, his tone a mix of wonder and disbelief.
As they approach the gates, one of the hoplites taps Ethan on the shoulder from behind.
"Aye, kid"
the hoplite says, his voice gruff but not unkind.
"Yes?"
Ethan replies, turning to face him.
"Don't try to bite the humans around here"
the hoplite warns, his fiery eyes narrowing.
"Otherwise, you'll get in trouble."
Ethan nods, suppressing a smirk.
"Duly Noted."
"Also, if you find any fights breaking out, call us"
the hoplite adds.
"It's our duty to police the areas around the Citadel Keeping in mind with the treaties between the Tri council ."
Ethan nods again, filing the information away. The hospitality of the hoplites has given him some insight into the city's workings, but he still needs time to process it all.
As they enter the Citadel, they're greeted by a bustling market. Stalls line the streets, their wares ranging from weapons and magical equipment, bones and Materials of wilds beats around the land to alternative foods designed for both humans and the undead. The air is filled with the sounds of bartering, laughter, and the occasional clatter of bones each having something or the other to discuss about.
Ethan looks around and smiles at the changes brought upon the land it seems whoever the The People in charge the Tri council had brought about an unprecedented change in the interactions between them. Ethan and the Bone Guard split off from the hoplites, waving goodbye as they venture deeper into the city.
"They were kind"
the Bone Guard notes, its deep voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Ethan nods.
"Yeah, they were. Hmm, I guess we should meet up with Ferox and Selene."
He closes his eyes, focusing on his heightened senses to locate his companions. After a moment, he points toward the edge of the Citadel. "They seem to be near the edge of the city."
The Bone Guard tilts its head, its purple eyes glowing faintly.
"Shall we proceed, Master?"
Ethan nods, his expression determined.
"Let's go. We've got a lot to catch up on."