Character Creation

Seamus found himself floating in blackness, well floating was wrong as he didn�t feel weightless, but with nothing to give perspective and no feeling on any of his limbs he couldn�t find another way to describe it. The blackness flashed white for a second all but blinding him, then he was spiraling down towards a green-blue world. It wasn�t earth, not with the continents shaped as they were, but it seemed to be earth like. He smiled as a title image appeared over the planet, �Alpha World�. He felt anticipation grow as the world faded away leaving him in a blank room looking at an avatar of the average human male.

�Okay character creation time,� Seamus whispered to himself as he walked around the nude character. �Let's see what the other races look like as well.�

Seamus switched the race option to dwarf and did a walk around the small fireplug, adjusting the height to the maximum five foot and shook his head. �Too short, good shoulders though. Not for me this time.�

Going to elf next Seamus laughed out loud at the pointedly thin figure. �Hell I could attack with the cheek and chin of this character.� Seamus played with the face creation for a time before shaking his head as each face still seemed too feminine to him.

Finally he ended up with the Lunari, cat-people, to find them mostly human looking. The difference was the tail, the coating of downy fur, cat ears on top of the head and the retractable razor sharp claws on their hands. �Feisty kitty,� Seamus muttered before switching back to human. �Let's go with the basic human.�

�Average, just like me. Let�s get the features a little more in line with how I looked when I passed the academy all those years ago.� He left the height alone at the five foot seven inch mark, he toned the muscles and slimmed them down to that of a martial artist, rather than the more heavily muscled form it had been. He shifted the hair to a light brown and made it a buzz cut as was his preferred style. He gave the avatar a neatly trimmed beard and mustache along with a small scar on the right side of his forehead going from hairline to temple. A pair of misty grey eyes that were unnerving to look at, he had always wanted those over the blue eyes he had been born with, so why not take them here? He did another walk around, approving of what he saw. He paused as he considered the mature rating of the game. Shaking his head, he left the more adult parts alone figuring since he was born average he might as well keep the game avatar the same, at least he knew how to use what he had.

Touching a green button floating just in his peripheral vision opened a window before him with a keyboard asking him to name his avatar. Seamus considered it then smiled, using the name he had in a previous game, Alburet. As he hit accept on the name he felt his awareness shift to the avatar. The room around him shifted as well to show lockers with all sorts of different equipment, each one labeled to a different class. Nodding at how the class choice section was laid out, he went locker to locker to check the starting gear and the tag in each that described the class. Elementalist, a mage who focused on fire, earth, air and water magics for offense but with little defense, a pure damage dealing class. Seamus skipped that one, knowing he would probably end up solo more than most as he wouldn�t have time limitations like others. Being solo meant that he would have to be much more self-sufficient than a glass cannon could be.

He bypassed the Berserker, knowing it was going to be the melee equivalent of the Elementalist, heavy on damage but no healing or mitigation. Necromancer, now that could be fun, but if the game really did bring over all the senses then smelling the dead all the time was not going to work. Which was too bad, really, as pet classes were traditionally better at solo game play but not as useful in big group content. Defender was the pure tank class based around holding the attention of monsters while mitigating the damage the monsters did. Downside there being that they really needed a healer to keep them going. Sighing, Seamus moved on, dismissing the classes one by one as he did. He paused at the Assassin class though, a master of stealth and fast kills would be useful indeed. However, they were not good in any multi-enemy combat or against any big mobs in a solo game style. Sure, you could basically one-shot things around your level if you built the character right, but after that first shot they ended up like cloth wearers, too damned squishy to live long. Seamus marked it as his first back up if the other classes failed to deliver him real viability.

Two classes were all that was left for him to check, with only the Assassin having given him any real interest so far. Paladin� Seamus hated the lawful stupid class that Paladin ended up being in most role playing games. So self-righteous, with a need to right every wrong they came across while upholding the law. But as he looked at the class description he grinned, Paladins here could serve any god of the world, not just the good gods. The restriction to the class was you had to obey the edicts of your god or lose your abilities until you atoned. They were plate wearing tanks slightly less reliable than the Defender, but they made up for it with some healing and utility abilities. Seamus considered it as he leafed through the pamphlet in the locker about all the different gods. There seemed to be a god for almost everything, which was nice for players. Seamus predicted a whole lot of people playing Paladin at least to start with, until they violated the dogma of their chosen god and had to atone to get their abilities back.

Chuckling, he went to the last locker, the one for the Summoner class. It was the only other pet class that Alpha World had, which made Seamus take a closer look at it. Summoner, a mage who made pacts with the infernal realm to bring demons into his service. The demons themselves had individual stats and abilities as well as loyalty ratings. The loyalty was a bit vague, only saying it made a difference in how it affected the happiness of the minion. Along with summoning demons, the Summoner used buffs for him and his pets while applying debuffs to the enemies, as well as a few damage spells to round them out. Seamus considered the possibilities for a moment, a pet class was a go to for soloing as you could always sacrifice the pet to run away if needed. Cloth wasn�t great for soloing, but if he was able to summon multiple pets then he had a real chance at never having to worry about being hit past the first few levels. He flipped through the class pamphlet to see when he would get his first summon, at level three he would get the spell to summon a least imp as his first pet.

Seamus put the class pamphlet back in the locker and turned to look at the Paladin and Assassin again. After a few minutes he decided against the Assassin, too reliant on the first big hit and as he didn�t want to do player killing, he set the option aside. So Paladin or Summoner were the two options he liked the most for his foray into Alpha World. Plate wearing tank in service to a god, or a man who summoned demons to do his bidding. It really wasn't much of a choice, after all he had never been a god fearing man. Walking back to the Summoner locker, he picked up the pamphlet and pressed his palm into the area for it on the last page. A green floating button appeared asking him to confirm his choice, which he promptly did.

The world went dark around him as he found himself above the planet and descending towards it as the voice over kicked in. �The origins of Alpha World are lost in history. All anyone knows is that many races prowl the land, some worshiping good and some evil. Many find themselves in the middle of those polar opposites just trying to get along. You though, are a two-souled, a being blessed by the Creator to come from another plane to Alpha World. You are an adventurer, one of the blessed few who travel the world helping others out of kindness or for reward. Not even death can deter you from your chosen course of action. It is up to you how you spend your time here, though be warned that every action has its consequence.�

The world went dark again just before he touched the ground and a red clock appeared in front of him, counting down from twelve hours away. Seamus sighed, wondering if he would pass out again for the next twelve hours or just lay here looking at the clock. He hoped for either passing out or even being given the chance to just sit and read, either would be preferable to watching this stupid clock. As he thought that the room shifted back to the study where he had talked to Victoria before. This time he was dressed in the tattered starter robe of the Summoner.

�Welcome back, Seamus,� Victoria�s voice said from behind him. �I took the liberty of bringing you here while you waited. I know from our talks that you detest not being able to do things while waiting.�

Seamus looked back to see Victoria standing near the fire place behind him warming her hands, this time in a long ball gown of white. He smiled as he stood up and went to join her by the fire, feeling the warmth wash over him. �I thank you for that. I thought twelve hours of just looking at a clock a bit much. Question though, if you don�t mind,� he paused until she gave a consenting nod, �what happens if I die in game?�

�Your equipped items take a durability hit. All items have a set durability and can't be repaired, so it matters what you are using when you die. After the two minute resurrection timer passes you are sent to the closest spawn point you have found.�

�So they want to make people care for their equipment,� Seamus said. �Two or three sets of equipment per player really. Grinding stuff, dungeon stuff and maybe even best in slot raid stuff. Huh, good to know.�

�Also, I wanted to let you know that it has been decided to have you take a break every month for a day. We can extend the time between slightly if necessary to not interfere with any plans that you have made. I will be speaking with you at those times to see how you are holding up mentally. This is a key concern since physically we have all the equipment and staff needed to make sure your body stays well.�

�So every month we get to talk? That will be nice. Are we on screen right now, you know above my pod?�

�No, while you are here speaking with me you are not being watched,� Victoria replied.

�Twelve hours is a long time, but I should get a few hours nap in before launch, say fourish hours. So that leaves me with eight or so hours of time to kill. Would you like to play some chess?�

Victoria laughed, �Sure, but I won�t go easy on you.� She turned to the desk which now had a board on it, �You can be white.�

The next hour was one of pleasant frustration for Seamus as he found out she didn�t lie. She won every game. The first four games were over in a few minutes each as she brutalized him. The next few he played a little more randomly and she seemed puzzled for a bit as if trying to find his strategy before she pressed and beat him. The best he did was trade pieces well in the tenth game until she won again.

�Well, I feel very humble right now,� Seamus said shaking his head. �I concede. I will never challenge you in chess, how about something a little more random, like poker?�

�You handle the losing well, much better than others who have played me. Alvin sulked for a whole week after he played me the first time. I also accept the challenge of poker.� She waved her hand across the desk and the chess set vanished to be replaced by poker chips for each of them and a sealed deck of cards.

�Virtual is way easier than real,� Seamus murmured as he marveled over how easy it was for her to change things. �So let�s start with seven card stud, shall we?�

Two hours went by with Seamus winning a pot here or there but slowly losing his stack of chips to her. He never won a big pot during the entire time, which bothered him. �I have to ask how you always seemed to know when to fold or call my bluff.�

Victoria laughed, �I think a character from one of your favorite books said it best, �If you ain�t cheatin', then you ain�t tryin' hard enough�.�

Blinking, Seamus puzzled over the quote then laughed, �Shackleford from the Monster Hunter series, eh? So how were you cheating me?�

�All the cards are marked,� Victoria replied with a smirk. �For me, that is. I can see the code that denotes what they represent. Was that wrong of me?� She asked the last in a playful manner.

�Hmm, being taken advantage of by beautiful women is something of a habit for me, but yes it was still wrong of you. How about we go again with you promising not to cheat this time, to make up for it?�

�So a real test to see if I can read you without aid? I accept your challenge Seamus, but let us place a real wager on it shall we? If I win it all, you will answer any one question I have for you. If you win you can make up any reward you want.�

Laughing, Seamus nodded, �Agreed, divvy up the chips and let's go around again.�

The next three hours seemed much better with Seamus being able to bluff and win some big pots. In the end though, he lost his last chip when his straight was beaten out by her flush. �Well, at least I was able to bluff you this time.� Seamus said as he pushed his chair back some, �What did you want to ask?�

Vicky met his eyes, �Tell me about Kaylee. Why does she mean so much to you?�

Seamus felt his face close down as he looked away from her, �That is the second worst question you could ask me, Victoria.� His hands clenched causing his knuckles to pop as he tried to calm the flood of emotions. �Will you pick something else, please?�

�You promised any question, Seamus. I am not asking about the murder, but about the victim of the crime that lead to it. I will wait if you need a moment to calm down first.� Her tone was calm and full of care, which only made things worse.

�I wouldn�t even know where to start,� Seamus said, his voice rough as he choked back the anger and sadness that threatened to overwhelm him.

�How did you meet her father?�

�David? A gaming group, ironically enough. We both knew a couple that held a weekly gaming group at their house. We ended up playing D&D there the first time we met each other. I still don�t know why we hit it off. We just seemed to click, being able to work well together as a team. After a few months we started talking about some of our other hobbies. Both of us had gun collections so we went shooting. We played a few non-VR games, as that was before VR really went big. I met his daughter when she was five, he had finally got partial custody of her. So he got her on the weekends and alternate holidays. Kaylee was the best child I�ve ever met in my life, she didn�t act up or cause issues in any way. She didn�t pout, have tantrums or anything like that. When she started going to school David noticed she seemed bored. He put her into a private school which helped, she was an amazingly fast learner. She was a math prodigy, able to dissect advanced math with ease even in elementary school.�

Seamus got up and walked over to the fire, �When she was about to go into junior high, she was already doing calculus at David�s during the weekends. She loved to learn and was always pushing herself to do more. I came over every Saturday, Uncle Seamus she called me, and the three of us would go out to do stuff. Movies, shooting, amusement parks, all sorts of things. She was the child I never had and her father was my best friend. It was kind of funny, how many times we got asked which of us was her father when we went out. She had the brightest of futures before her, the stars themselves would have been in her grasp if not�� Seamus cut off shaking in rage as the images of her in the hospital crying and asking him to leave came to him. He lashed out blindly striking the stone mantle of the fireplace, which broke his knuckles like dry kindling.

Victoria was by his side in an instant, literally, speaking softly to him as she gently touched his hand that he held to his chest as tears spilled from his eyes. �I�m sorry, Seamus. I pushed even though you asked me not to because I wanted to know. I hope you will forgive me,� her voice was full of care as his pain vanished, his hand healing instantly as her fingers ran over it. �I will leave you alone if you want?�

Seamus turned away from her, shaking as he tried to shut his emotions off again. He had always been a little prone to rage and grief, but since Kaylee�s attack he had not been able to hold them in check like he used too. He shook his head once, �Just give me a moment, please.� He wiped at his tear streaked face, taking deep breaths to stop the shakes. He flinched slightly as her thumbs dug into his shoulders hitting the knots he had there. He didn�t stop her as he felt her relentlessly attack the tight muscles with firm steady hands. Minutes went by as he slowly regained control of himself again with her help. �Thank you, Vicky,� he said softly, stepping away from her hands.

�It might be best if I go rest for a bit,� Seamus said softly, �thank you for your hospitality before I lashed out. Maybe I will be better company when next we talk.�

�Okay. I�m sorry for pushing you, Seamus, I didn�t know just how badly it would affect you.� Her voice was tinged with sadness as she spoke. �As a show of peace, can I give you a hint for the game?�

Turning, Seamus met her eyes, seeing concern and worry in hers. �You don�t need to Vicky. I�m fine now and will not hold anything against you.�

�When you get to summon your demons choose the most loyal ones you can, even if they aren�t as good as the others stat wise. Loyalty is very important for Summoners. I will see you again in time Seamus, until then enjoy the game as much as you can. This will be a huge step in the progress of helping the infirm if the test works as it should.� She smiled then turned away from him pausing as she asked the next question in a shy voice, �May I watch you as you play?�

Seamus chuckled slightly, �I get a choice?�

Vicky�s voice gave the impression that she was embarrassed, �Yes.�

A smile came to Seamus�s face and he let the warmth he felt come through in his voice, �I don�t see how that will entertain you as I�ll probably make more than a few mistakes, but yes, watch to your heart�s content. Just next time please stay away from the two questions I don�t want to talk about.�

She turned to face him, her smile bright as she raised a hand as if to say goodbye, �Thank you, Seamus.� As she finished speaking Seamus felt the room slip away from him and he noted the clock blinking away with five hours still to go before sleep claimed him.

Seamus came back to his senses to find the clock blinking as it counted down the last minute before early access launched. He wondered what kind of starting area he was going to be in, he recalled being told that he would be in a dungeon at the start of the game. As the clock kept ticking Seamus could feel his excitement start to rise, he was about to have a taste of freedom again. A whole world waiting for him to explore it while the staff kept tabs on him to see if this long term immersion was viable. He said a silent prayer, even though he didn�t believe in God, praying for this to work so Kaylee could have a full life again. He watched as the last ten seconds ticked away one by one until they vanished, leaving him in darkness.

Game On

Alburet came to in the dark, with a faint, flickering light coming from a narrow gap at the bottom of a door. Letting his eyes adjust, he could make out a small square room. The small straw pile he lay on was the only thing in it. The door was thick wood with three iron bands reinforcing it. He could make out a status bar in his left peripheral vision that held his name and two colored bars, one red and the other blue.

�Game on,� Alburet whispered with a smile. He wondered how to open the character screen when a see through panel came into being before him showing his character. Looking it over, he was able to quickly take in all the important details.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 1

Strength: 5

Agility: 5

Constitution: 6

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 15

Charisma: 19

Health: 110

Mana: 200

Spells:

Demon Skin

Abilities:

None

Alburet touched the health number on the character screen and a tool-tip popped up: �Out of combat you will regenerate 10% of your total health every second.� He checked Mana and got a similar message, but with a little more info: �During combat you will regenerate mana based on your wisdom stat.� Alburet tapped Wisdom to see what it would tell him there: �Your mana will regenerate at 1.5% of your total mana every second in combat. Total mana pool based on Wisdom.�

Each stat had helpful information when he checked them. Strength added to melee combat damage at a factor of 10%, minimum one. Agility did the same for ranged combat, while Intelligence gave 10% bonus damage to spells. Charisma gave a bonus to influencing NPCs in conversation and when meeting them for the first time. Constitution was the way to get more health at a ten to one ratio, while each level gave a flat 50 more health on top of that.

Tapping his spell, Alburet read the description then blinked when he got to the end of it. �Demon Skin: This spell hardens your skin, taking on the appearance and nature of true demon skin. Mana cost: 50. Duration: 1 hour. Adds 10 armor to base rating. Does not stack with other armor, whichever value is higher will be used to determine armor value. Self target only. To use this spell press your hands to your chest and say the words �Demon Skin.�

�So, built to the lowest common denominator,� Alburet sighed. He then pressed his hands to his chest and spoke the words. As the words left his mouth he felt a small pulse from his hands, looking down he could make out his normal skin darkening as it thickened some. An icon appeared under his mana bar, informing him he now had the buff Demonic Skin.

Wondering about notifications, Alburet noticed a small blue square in his lower right vision which was blinking. Touching it opened up a slew of messages, he scrolled back to the top and read through them.

Dear tester,

You are in the Forgotten Prison. As your starting location is non-standard you have no equipment besides the robe on your back. You will have to figure a way out on your own and pick up equipment as you try to gain your freedom. Thank you for assisting Mindblown Entertainment with our test.

Good luck, Mindblown Entertainment CEO Stephan Colart.

Thank you for completing the early access evaluation. Your actions during the evaluation have netted you increased base statistics.

1 extra Constitution gained.

�5 extra Intelligence gained.

�5 extra wisdom gained.

�14 extra charisma gained.

We hope you enjoyed the evaluations and wish you luck in Alpha World.

Alburet chuckled. Well, at least the time with Vicky had given him some really nice boosts. So he had to figure a way out of this forgotten prison on his own. Standing up, Alburet stretched and smirked. �Let's get started, shall we?� he muttered to himself as he advanced on the door, wondering how he was going to get it open.

Quest: Escape the cell.

Reward: One hundred XP.

Chuckling at his first quest, Alburet examined the door. He frowned when he found there was nothing on the inside to grab or hold. Just a spot for a key in the door, and not having anything to even try picking the lock he was at a loss. �Well fuck, now what?�

Alburet hammered on the door with his fist, getting a surprise as 0's appeared floating in the air before him. The same blue square he had the messages in began to flash again. Stopping his hammering, he opened up the message box.

You hit door for 2 damage, door unharmed due to armor value of 25.

You hit door for 2 damage, door unharmed due to armor value of 25.

You hit door for 2 damage, door unharmed due to armor value of 25.

You hit door for 2 damage, door unharmed due to armor value of 25.

You hit door for 2 damage, door unharmed due to armor value of 25.

Sighing, Alburet sat on the floor as he closed the message box and looked for a way to open the options menu. As he thought about it, a new pop-up appeared in front of him. Nodding, Alburet went through the options and set the combat messages to be mostly translucent and go by in his lower left peripheral. He set the damage received messages to red, along with any status effects that would affect him. He could now ignore them or pay attention to them as needed.

He pulled up the sensory options, noting that they were set to the maximum and grayed out to his touch. Shrugging, he shifted to all the other options and noted a mini-map button. Toggling it on, he saw a translucent small map icon pop up in his upper right vision. It showed a small room with him in it and that was it. �Fog of war, eh?� Alburet mumbled.

As he closed down the menus, he heard a faint scraping sound in the hall. Laying on the floor he looked through the four inch tall gap under the door to see hallway stretching off in both directions. To his left and moving toward him was a set of bone feet dragging a thin chain behind it. As it neared, Alburet was able to make out the skeleton with tatters of cloth on it walking, dragging the chain behind it. Watching as the skeleton drew closer, Alburet was surprised when a small icon of the creature appeared next to his status bars. It had a name and a single red bar next to a picture of the mob, Lost Key Holder.

As the feet moved past his door, just out of reach, Alburet could see a key at the end of the chain, scraping across the floor behind the skeleton. He strained, thrusting his arm as far out under the door as he could but missed the key. Panting, he slid back and looked out again. He could see the dust on the floor disturbed by his arm, he had fallen an inch or two short of where the drag line for the key had been.

Alburet watched the skeleton continue on its way without pausing. Sitting back up, he tried to think of a way to get the key if the skeleton came back. His arm wasn't long enough obviously, and the room didn't contain anything of use. Brooding for a moment, Alburet tried to think of a way to snag an extra inch or two. Shaking his head he wished for items that would make a difference that he obviously didn't have. After all the only thing in the room was the ragged straw pile he had woken on and the tattered robe he was wearing.

Chuckling, Alburet stripped his tattered robe off and fashioned it into a loop as best he could. It gave him a foot of reach and a way to either trip the skeleton or snag the key. Maybe. Smiling, he lay back down and slid the makeshift trap into the hall. After a few attempts he got it into the path of the mob and settled in for the wait.

Time seemed to drag as he lay there waiting, the cold stone floor chilling him slightly as he waited. The demon skin didn't stop him from feeling temperature, sadly. He began to drum his fingers on the floor as he waited impatiently. �Stupid fucking starting place, trapped in a room with only one way out,� he groused to himself.

Eventually he heard the scraping sound coming this time from his right. Grinning, he made sure he was ready to yank the robe back to him. He was going to try for the skeleton as it only had 90 health and would be an easier target to snag then the key. He was still grinning when he could make out in the flickering light the skeleton�s feet approaching him.

Alburet could feel the tingle of anticipation he always felt before a fight as he watched the feet draw closer. When the skeleton stepped into the makeshift noose he tugged with everything he had. He felt the resistance as the skeleton was caught and tumbled to the floor along with the clatter of bones striking stone. He began to reel in the robe quickly, drawing the skeleton�s foot under the door, into the room with him. Grabbing it with one hand, Alburet reached out with his other searching for the chain.

The skeleton kicked at him with its other foot, connecting with his searching arm. Wincing at the impact, Alburet noted two health tick off his bar. Growling, he yanked on the leg he was holding and felt the door rattle at the impact of the skeleton hitting the other side. �Take that, fucker,� he said under his breath as his hand finally found the metal chain.

Just as he began to pull the chain into the room, his hand was grabbed and he felt teeth sink into it. �Fucker,� Alburet yelled as 2 damage ticked off his life bar, but he refused to open the hand holding the chain.

Pulling with his hand holding the chain, Alburet was surprised to see the skeleton head still attached to his hand as he retracted it into the room. Letting go of the robe he lashed out with his left hand at the biting skeleton. He noted a four point dip in the skeleton's health bar as his hand connected with the skull.

The guardian of the key began to grind its jaw on his hand, causing Alburet to cry out in pain as he felt the teeth begin to saw into his hand, breaking the skin and drawing blood. Another 2 damage ticked off his life. Eyes going wide in pain, Alburet grabbed the skull with his left hand and bashed it against the floor as hard as he could, taking another fraction of life from it. The impact caused the skull�s teeth to cut further into his hand, doing another point of damage.

The two of them continued to trade damage as the skeleton refused to release his hand from its teeth as Alburet kept smashing its head into the floor. When the skeleton was down to twenty health left, it released his hand and tried retreat back under the door.

Tears of pain and rage dripping from his eyes, Alburet cursed it, �Not today, fucker.� Releasing the chain, he grabbed its skull in both hands as he braced his feet on the door and shoved off, trying to pull the head off the body. After a moment of resistance he went sliding across the floor with a skull trophy in his hands.

As the head came free, the body stopped moving and collapsed to the floor. Alburet lay there panting and bleeding from his severely lacerated hand. After a moment he sat up, noting his health bar slowly replenishing when he noticed the blinking square again.

You have defeated the Lost Key Holder, gain 100 XP.

Alburet disabled the XP notifications, thinking that would get old fast. He could always check his XP by opening the character tab, if he wanted to. A few seconds later the pain went away and his hand seemed uninjured as his health pool became full again. �Vanishing pain, thank gods,� Alburet muttered as he went back over to the door and pulled the chain to him. He discovered it was wrapped around the skeleton's spine and broke it free. Key in hand, he stood up to unlock the door then opened it and stepped out into the hall.

Quest Completed: Escape the cell.

Receive: One hundred XP.

Smiling at the quest pop-up, he waved it away to check his options for moving forward. A dusty hall went off to the left and right with other doors evenly on both sides in both directions along with flickering torches. �Well, first mission accomplished, now to find my way out,� he muttered before looking down at the bones and grinning. Bending down, he went to rip a femur free only to have the corpse vanish while a small bag appeared. Frowning, he touched the bag and was suddenly holding a Femur Club which made him smile. �Acquired: one makeshift weapon,� he chuckled, �but no chain. Damn, it would have been useful.� Setting the club aside, he picked up his robe and untied it before donning it.

Quest: Escape the Intake Wing.

Reward: Five Hundred XP.

Club in hand and dressed again, he debated which way to go. He finally turned left in honor of his friend David, who always went left in dungeons. Going to the next door he tried the key, which unlocked the door, only to find an empty room. �Viewing slits would have been a good idea, game designers,� he muttered as he went door to door, checking each room in case there was anything worthwhile.

On the fifth door he found a skeleton climbing to its feet. Alburet charged in before it could rise and brought the club down on its skull firmly. He watched ten percent of its life vanish from the hit, causing him to chuckle. �So some of the old inmates are mobile as well. Guess I should be a bit more careful.� He muttered, dodging back as the skeleton swiped at him with its hands. The ID of the mob told him it was an Intake Skeleton level 1, 90/100 health.

The fight was short, with Alburet only taking minimal damage thanks to the Demon Skin spell negating most of the incoming damage and being able to deal out more damage with the femur. He checked the log, noting the first hit to the skeleton's head had been a critical which doubled the damage. He got another Femur Club off the skeleton he had just killed. He also noted a crack in the femur he had been using. He examined it more closely, which prompted another pop-up.

Femur Club

4 Damage

4/10 Durability

�So each new kill will net me a new weapon, that's handy,� Alburet mumbled to himself.

He cleared all the rooms down the left hall, only finding one more Intake Skeleton. The hallway turned right and ended in a large door with a vision port in it. Peeking in, he could make out a large room that was mostly shrouded in darkness. Backing away from the door, he decided to go back and check the other way first. Three skeletons and many rooms later he found himself at a dead end. �Well, that answers that question,� he muttered to himself as he retraced his steps and dropped the femur that only had 1 durability left on it. He pulled another one from one of the holes he had torn in his robe to hold more femurs. He waited and watched the in-game clock to see how long it took a dropped item to despawn. Five minutes later he had his answer and was wondering if he could cheat the system by picking up and re-dropping an item to extend the time. Something to test later when he had an expendable item.

Before he made it back to the dark room he pulled a torch from a wall sconce so he could have some light with him. He smirked, thinking back to some of the fucked up things his GM of the old D&D group had run them through. This place would have fit right in.

Stopping at the door, he glanced in seeing straw pallets lined up evenly along the walls which made him think of a very poor barracks. Pushing on the door, it opened with a tortured screech of rusty hinges. It was odd, as no other door he had opened had done that. Pushing the door all the way open, he put the torch before him into the room to get a better view.

Sure enough, looked like a barracks crossed with a living space. The pallets had what looked like bits of tattered cloth over the straw, and just at the edge of the torch light he could make out the shattered remains of what might have been a table. He waited a moment, but didn't see any movement. Still, he didn't trust the situation.

Without stepping into the room, he tossed a torch towards the remains of the table. It spun, making crazy shadows before it landed on the wood, which began to smolder. As the table caught fire, Alburet could see one skeleton rising all the way across the room. He targeted the new mob, a level 3 Decayed Guard, which had tattered pieces of leather armor and carried a wooden club as it started to shamble towards him. �Fuck, two levels above me and equipped,� he muttered, stepping into the room and casting about for anything useful.

Not seeing anything useful ready to hand, Alburet grimaced and swung on the Decayed Guard as it came into range. Trading blows with the Guard taught him something very quickly, that he didn't stand a chance in a straight up fight. Alburet's attacks weren't doing the normal 5 damage, instead only doing 1 while the guard pummeled him for 6 with each hit it landed.

Backing up, Alburet tried to break the combat so he could run only to be pummeled as the mob kept advancing with him. A minute later Alburet was a ghost floating above his corpse and letting out a deep sigh as a two minute clock counted down. He was able to see the guard shamble back across the room and lay back down on its pallet thanks to the small fire from the table. Two minutes later, Alburet found himself back in his cell. A quick inventory showed that he had all of his stuff, including the femur he had been using which was down to one durability.

�Okay, I need a plan,� he muttered as he pulled the combat log up and looked it over. The leather the skeleton was wearing blocked 4 damage from each of his attacks due to the armor rating. He needed a way to get rid of the leather the thing was wearing so he at least had a chance. If he could find a way to disarm it even better, as the high damage it did was an issue.

He brooded for a moment, considering all of his options. What did he have access to that could help him he thought as he chewed his bottom lip. Sitting back, he shifted his seat which slid him slightly. Looking down he found himself sitting on the straw that had been in each room he had checked. A plan formed in his mind causing him to chuckle before he set out to prep his battlefield.

Once he had everything prepared, Alburet picked up two torches from the far side of the wing. He tossed one as far across the room as he could, aiming towards the pallet the guard should be on. The torch spun wildly as it flew, landing on the cloth covered straw pallet the guard lay on. It went up instantly in flame, causing the mob to clamber to its feet. Each second it was in the flame it lost five health.

Grinning, knowing his plan would work, Alburet drew a femur with his free hand and waited as the Decayed Guard crossed the room. As the Decayed Guard came into range, Alburet dropped the torch onto the flammable pile of straw under the mob, taking a half step back as it went up in a blaze.

The mob was down to 320 of 350 health, and the fire was steadily taking its toll on both the creature and its armor. The fire was uncomfortable to be near but wasn't actively hurting Alburet, so he swung on the guard and was parried.

Grimacing, Alburet took a hit to the left arm which did 5 points of damage. Obviously, this one had more Constitution and Strength than the other skeletons he had fought. Alburet focused on trying to parry the attacks while letting the fire damage the guard for him.

By the time the fire had burned out, the guard no longer had leather armor and its club vanished into a puff of ash. The damage the guard was doing to Alburet dropped off to two per hit with the loss of its club. The guard also only had 100/350 health left, while Alburet had 50.

Alburet focused all his attacks on the Decayed Guard�s head. Each blow to the head was a critical, which did 10 damage. The guard mindlessly attacked Alburet�s chest, only doing 2 damage with each swipe. When the Decayed Guard finally collapsed into a heap, Alburet was on the verge of passing out with only 30 health left. As the skeleton hit the floor, Alburet was engulfed in a bright light and a loud DING echoed in his ears. When the sound and light faded he found he was fully healed.

Laughing, Alburet shook his head, �Level two in under an hour after leaving the first room, nice.� He quickly opened his character sheet to find he had five stat points to distribute as well as a new spell. He checked the spell first, while he considered how to divvy up his stat points.

The spell was called Demonic Retribution and did five fire damage, ignoring all armor to anyone who attacked the one buffed with the spell. It cost 15 of his mana, but stayed up for five minutes. Alburet wondered if he could place it on his imp when he got one next level. He checked the casting requirements; slapping his hands together along with speaking the word �Retribution� were the required steps to activate it, then touch the one he wanted to buff. He cast the spell on himself before turning back to his stat points.

Alburet chuckled over the fact he was still basically four levels higher stat wise than he should be. He shrugged and evened out the outliers on his stats for now, bringing Constitution and Charisma up to 10 and 20 respectively.

Once he was done placing his stats points, he checked the loot, gaining a new Femur Club. He snagged a torch before crossing the ashes of the fire that helped him defeat the mob. He entered the room and began to search it for useful items.

The room was fairly large, with over twenty pallets along the walls where he supposed guards would have been if this place was still running, so it took Alburet some time to search. In the end all he found was a Dirty Satchel that had been tucked into a corner. Inside was aged meat, a flask that sloshed slightly as he shook it, and there were eight other spots for things in the grid that appeared when he looked inside the bag as well as ten copper which showed on a counter along the bottom of the grid. Slinging the satchel over his shoulder, he transferred all but two femurs into it, leaving one in easy reach tucked through one of the holes in his robe while he equipped the other into his main hand.

He crossed to the only other exit from the room, a set of double doors. As he neared the doors, he passed the burned out remnants of the pallet and saw a glint from the ashes. Stopping to investigate, he brushed the ashes away, revealing a slightly larger key. After that find, he took the time to shred the other pallets, finding a rusty pitted dagger for his trouble along with another ten copper. He examined the dagger, nodding at what he saw.

Rusty Pitted Dagger

8 Damage

25/50 Durability

He reached the door and wasn�t surprised to find it locked. The key hole looked perfect for the key he had just picked up. Inserting the key, he twisted it in the lock and heard a bolt snap open. Chuckling, he pushed the door open.

Quest Completed: Escape the Intake Wing.

Receive: Five Hundred XP.

The doors groaned open as he pushed against them. He found a large hallway easily forty feet wide stretching out before him. There were two five foot wide sections of a different colored stone on the floor, adjacent to the walls. Laughing, he shook his head as it reminded him of the guiding lines in jails and prisons. �You guys are funny, going to this length in this area.� He chuckled as he stepped into the five foot section that prisoners were supposed to walk in. Might as well keep up appearances, he thought, besides the other section of floor might be trapped to trigger if a non-guard walked on it.

Quest: Escape the Forgotten Prison.

Reward: Two Thousand XP.

Thirty feet down the hall he came to a door with a plaque on it. The plaque identified the room as Records. Alburet considered going in, waffling between escaping or exploring. Who knows, he thought, this place might be closed to him once he did escape and that decided him. �Fuck it,� he said softly as he pushed on the door, causing it to open inward.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 2

Strength: 5

Agility: 5

Constitution: 10

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 15

Charisma: 20

Health: 200

Mana: 250

Spells:

Demon Skin

Demonic Retribution

Abilities:

None

Exploring

The door swung open silently, making Alburet leery. Stepping into the room he saw it was mostly empty, a single chest along the back wall and a desk with chair the only furniture. The only other thing of note was the Skeletal Clerk that was standing up from the desk, level two with 150/150 health. It held a letter opener in one hand and a tome in the other like a shield as it advanced towards Alburet.

Setting the torch down carefully so it wouldn't go out, Alburet quickly cast his Demonic Retribution and Demon Skin before arming himself with the dagger and a femur. He�d thought about using the torch as a weapon, but the book might have useful info and he didn't want to burn it. When the skeleton got into range it lunged at Alburet with the letter opener. Batting aside the strike with his femur, Alburet returned an attack with the dagger. Alburet chuckled happily as he saw the dagger inflict full damage, 9 points, to the mob.

The next couple of seconds were parries and blocks by each of the combatants, until the skeleton landed a slight puncture on Alburet. Two things happened as the blade pierced him, firstly Alburet grimaced- this was the first time he�d been stabbed here, and it hurt. Secondly a flame flickered out from the wound, traveling up the skeleton's arm and bursting in a small pop on its chest, damaging it. Alburet lashed out with his dagger as the mob withdrew the letter opener for another attack, landing a hit clean to its head.

After landing the critical Alburet started to fight more defensively, not wanting to get stabbed again. The earlier damage, while it had hurt, was mostly blunt trauma which had almost been like full contact sparring in a dojo. Well, minus the first one where his hand had been getting shredded by teeth. Blocking the next attack, Alburet waited, not taking the small openings which would leave him vulnerable to counters.

The fight took longer than it should have, but he only ended up getting stabbed one more time. Grimacing until his health returned to full and the pain went away, Alburet shook his head. �Full pain sensory at low levels is fucking wrong, so you know my somewhat benevolent overlords.� he said out loud, knowing that the medical staff could hear him.

He looted the mob, which netted him the letter opener, book and a new Femur Club. Picking up the torch, he examined the desk and was disappointed to discover it had no drawers and nothing on it. Setting the book down, he turned to the chest along the back wall. He nudged the lid and found the thing locked, sighing he knelt down and looked more closely at the lock. It was rusty and pitted but still held the chest closed and he didn't have a key.

Sitting down before the chest, Alburet inserted the letter opener and began to fiddle with it seeing if he could make the lock pop. After several minutes he�d made no progress so decided to try bashing the chest with a femur to try and break it open. The top of the chest crumbled inward after half a dozen blows.

The chest contained eight silver, six scrolls, a dry inkwell along with a stylus and a small shield that fit in the palm of his hand. The front of the shield was engraved with an inscription, 'Trusted Guard' and had a pin on the back so it could be attached to clothing. Chuckling, Alburet attached the shield to the front of his robe. �I'm a guard again, surely this won't go badly,� Alburet laughed as he added the silver to his bag along with the letter opener before grabbing the scrolls.

Carrying them to the desk, Alburet opened the first five which turned out to be lists of people, listing height, weight and a short description of their crimes. The sixth one was about him, describing in detail the crime he had committed in the real world. He read through it once, his facing going hard before he placed it on the ground and applied the torch to it, causing it to go up in flame quickly. �Fuck you very much for that, Mindblown,� he muttered.

Turning to the book, he opened it to find a history of the Prison he was trying to escape. Imperial Prison Alctriuz had been founded in the year 50 Imperial Reckoning by decree of the Emperor Augustus the First. Flipping to the back of the book, Alburet found it ended with the prison�s completion in the year 75 IR. It was designated to hold the very worst of the Empire�s criminals. Shrugging, he placed it in his bag along with the letter opener, maybe it would be worth something if he reached a city.

Standing back up while stretching, Alburet made sure to keep the dagger in his main hand as he left the room. Stepping across the line that should divide inmates from guards, he adjusted the badge on his robe and started down the hallway again. Another fifty feet brought him to another door that held a plaque denoting it as Processing.

He pushed the door open to find a decent sized room with three desks, two of which were broken. The sole remaining desk had a Skeletal Clerk seated at it. The skeleton glanced at him then looked away and continued to sit there. Alburet shifted into a defensive posture as it looked at him, but as it looked away a grin came over his face. Walking into the room, he noted a Decayed Guard along a back wall next to a door marked Property.

Walking over to the door Alburet pushed on the door to find it locked. Frowning he turned and saw the key on a chain around the clerk's collar bone. Pursing his lips, Alburet tried to think of a way to get the key that wouldn't start a fight. He glanced at the Decayed Guard, noting the same rotting leather and club the previous one had had. He still didn't have a chance of taking them both on at once, not with the guard having armor and a club. Simply asking for the key crossed his mind, but he dismissed the idea. If this place operated anything like real world jails, it wouldn�t work as the one who had the key was responsible for everything in that area.

Walking through the room, Alburet didn't see anything obviously useful. Stopping, he scratched at his chin and considered his options again. He really wanted into the property room, there should be something worthwhile in there at least. Chewing his lip, he glanced at the room again, when his eyes went back to the broken desks. Chuckling, he began to move the wood to the doorway. Once he had it shifted, he went back to the barracks room and started shifting a few pallets to his pile of wood. Nodding to himself, he went back into the room, making sure he had a clear run to the door.

Rebuffing himself with his spells, he walked up next to the guard that was still ignoring him. Once he was ready, he attacked with the dagger right to the guard's skull. He blinked as the combat log showed 36 damage done, not stopping to figure it out he ran for the door. The guard turned and began to move after him followed by the clerk. Once he was past the debris, Alburet turned and waited for the two skeletons to reach him. Once both were on top of the trap he touched the torch to the pallets and watched the whole thing go up in flame. Using the torch as a club Alburet focused on parrying the guard�s attacks as it stood on the edge of the fire. Taking a few hard hits, Alburet grunted in pain as he let the fire do the hard work for him as it ate away at the health of the two mobs who stood in it mindlessly.

By the time the fire died out both mobs were dead and Alburet had regained his health lost to the guard. As he waited for the ashes to cool he blinked when the badge on his robe vanished in a haze of dust. �What the fuck?� he muttered, trying to figure out why the badge would vanish. Chewing his lip as he thought, the only thing he could come up with that since he attacked the guard he was no longer trusted or viewed as a guard. �Well fuck it, I hope the Property room is worth it.�

He felt a rumble from his belly, frowning he glanced at his buff bar. Two new icons were there indicating he was Hungry as well as Thirsty. The debuffs indicated that he had six hours to find food and drink or he would be hit with a Parched debuff as well as a Starving debuff. He nodded, Vicky had told him about the issue with food for long term immersion. He had six hours and he didn't know how much longer he would be here so he ignored it for now.

A few minutes later he was able to touch the ash without being burned so he sifted through it until he found the key for the room. Briefly, he wished that the burned out wood and straw vanished like the bodies of the mobs he�d killed. Taking the key, he approached the door with a smirk as he used it to unlock the door before pushing it open.

There were open containers all along the walls on the floor as well as on shelves. The first one was engraved with a numeral 1, then next had a 2 and so on around the room. �Just like my old property room. Wait, my ID number on that scroll had been thirteen,� Alburet went down to the bin with a 13 on it and pulled it off the shelf.

Inside he found a small glass vial filled with a red liquid, a small vial with a blue liquid, a small polished stone with a house etched into it, a slim leather bound book and soft leather boots. He looked at the boots, smiling as the description popped up for him.

Preserved Soft Leather Boots- (armor 10 for feet) Durability 25/35

He slipped the boots onto his feet, nodding at how perfectly they fit. Once he was done he checked the other items to find out what they were. Examining the book caused a quest to pop for him.

Small Healing Potion- (Restores 50 health)

Small Mana Potion- (Restores 50 mana)

Homestone- (Returns the owner to last bind point. SOUL BOUND.)

Preserved book- (Maybe someone wants this.)

Quest: Find a person who wants this eldritch book.

Reward: Twenty Thousand XP.

Blinking at the quest, Alburet opened the book to see writing in a dark red ink in a language he couldn't even begin to understand. �It's not Greek, but it might as well be for all the good it does me,� he muttered to himself as he started to put it into his bag. When he tried to put the book into his bag it refused to go in.

Sighing, he pulled out some of the femurs he had been carrying, dropping them into his bin so he could add the book, potions and stone to his bag. Once that was done, he began to go through the room checking each bin. In total he found another five silver and 25 copper. There was a lot of ratty or decayed cloth and leather that didn't even show a value for selling them, so he left them. The only other thing of note in the room was a quarterstaff in a corner.

Worn Trusty Staff

15 Damage

50/100 Durability

He put the dagger away before he picked up the staff and felt better. �Not sure this will make up for the loss of the badge, but a better weapon and boots is worthwhile plus a quest with nice XP if I can get out of here,� he muttered before shaking his head, �Talking to oneself is a sign of insanity, right?� He chuckled darkly before he left the room and went back to the hallway.

He found no other rooms until he came to a set of double doors blocking his way forward. They had bars and glass set in them, so he peeked in to see a room with two Decayed Guards standing in the middle of the room. Considering his options, Alburet wondered if it was worth hauling more wood and straw down to the door to trap these two. Reluctantly, he decided it wasn�t worth the effort since the door was wide enough for the mobs to simply move around him.

He pondered the previous fights with the guards then the new weapon he had picked up. He would be able to deal way more damage than he had with the femurs. Add on top of that the fact they would be harming themselves when they hit him due to his Demonic Retribution spell and he smiled.

He opened the doors, which groaned loudly causing the two skeletons to turn to face him. Setting the torch down carefully, Alburet waited, but the skeletons didn't approach him. Taking a moment he applied his Retribution buff before he threw a copper at one of the guards. It glanced off the skeleton, who took a step toward him before returning to its starting spot and the single point of damage dealt to it healed.

Sighing, Alburet made sure he had a good grip on his staff as he ran into the room and swung it at the one on the right. The staff thunked off the skull soundly and Alburet noted the 32 damage done to it as both Guards turned to attack him. Alburet was suddenly glad he used to work out at the dojo closest to his home. The staff felt familiar in his hands as he wove his attacks while trying to mitigate the damage done to him.

The skeletons didn't go for any advanced tactics, standing side by side and swinging their clubs at him. That made things easier for Alburet as he concentrated on the one he�d attacked first, shifting around his opponents. The fight was mostly uninteresting as the skeletons never tried to flank him, allowing him to kill one, leveling as he did, then the other with only a few wounds to show for it.

This should be almost over, he figured, this would be the entrance area. Maybe a gated yard out the other set of double doors leading from this room but that should be it. A very basic layout for an intake area, but this one should be inside a gated compound connected to the main jail. The skeleton's loot only consisted of two unwieldy clubs, so he left them alone as they weren't worth any coin.

Taking a minute, he dropped his points into Constitution before he glanced at his new spell. Summon Least Imp: Mana cost: 10% of total mana pool while minion is active. Duration: Until dismissed. Allows the Summoner to summon a Least Imp to his side. Least Imps assist the Summoner by casting small fire blasts at visible foes. Alburet looked over the motions and words needed and blinked as there were two noted. The other one was listed as original use of spell, only used once and costing no mana.

Shrugging, Alburet mimed opening a book and spoke the words for first time use, �I summon the Infernal Retinue Society to aid me in my choosing of a minion.� He chuckled as he finished the words, as no one would summon the IRS and expect actual help.

A glowing red pentagram appeared on the floor and began to blaze with hellish light. Stepping back slightly, Alburet watched as a bipedal toad appeared inside the circle. It glanced at Alburet before perching a pair of spectacles on its face. �Ah a first timer, greetings to you Summoner. I'm Bettzle, the assistant tasked with picking the Infernal best suited to assist you. You are looking for a Least Imp, correct?�

�Greetings, Bettzle. I am indeed trying to find the Least Imp that will be my helper.�

�Well, lucky for you we have a few to pick from. Your choice can never be changed, so pick wisely.� The toad gestured and four ID pictures with stats appeared in the air before Alburet.

Each of them showed a Least Imp, an orange-red creature two feet tall with pointed tail, small stubby wings on its back and long claws on its hands. Its face was sharp and angled with a lot of sharp needle teeth in its mouth. They each seemed identical in image, so he looked at the relevant info to make his choice. They each only had 2 Strength, 4 Agility, 5 Constitution, and 3 Charisma, but their Intelligence and Wisdom were different along with another rating listed on each of them: Loyalty.

�Bettzle, what does the Loyalty rating denote?� Alburet asked as he couldn't get a pop-up tool tip on what it was for.

�It merely tells you how easy or hard it will be for you to gain happiness with the creature, hardly worth noting. Most Summoners are very content to take the most apt creature that is available, none of them have ever voiced issue with the one they chose to my knowledge,� the toad said while adjusting its glasses.

Alburet recalled Vicky telling him differently, that Loyalty was very important. Sadly, that would mean taking the imp with the worst stats. The one with Loyalty of Very status only had 8 Intelligence and Wisdom, the one with the worst Loyalty rating of Not had 20s in both stats. Chewing his lip, he had to decide whether to trust Vicky's advice or to take the obvious numerical advantage. Shaking his head, he hoped he was right and picked the one with the best loyalty rating.

�Interesting pick, to choose the weakest Imp. Oh well, it's your business Summoner. Best of luck to you and I'll see you when you learn how to summon your next Infernal.� With that, the toad took off its glasses and snapped its fingers, vanishing as the sound faded.

Looking back at how to normally summon his imp, Alburet did as the spell instructed. He held a hand out level, palm down next to him and spoke the words, �Your master calls you forth.� A bright flash and puff of smoke happened and when it cleared a small imp stood there.

�Greetings my master. Thank you for choosing me. What is my name to be?� The imp asked, looking up at Alburet.

�What is your name normally?�

The imp chuckled then spoke briefly in a gut wrenching voice in some language that Alburet didn't understand. �That is why we normally take the name given us by our master while we are under his or her command,� the imp smirked up at him.

�Noted. I take it that was your native tongue?� The imp nodded but remained silent. �Okay. I'll call you Bob.�

�Bob shall be my name then, master,� Bob replied with a toothy grin. �What are we doing?�

�Escaping this place is our first business, then we shall try to find a town or city,� Alburet replied. �Oh, question, what does your loyalty mean exactly?�

�An Infernal's loyalty is tied to how happy we are, the more loyal we are the faster we become happy while the inverse is also true, the less loyal we are the faster we lose happiness. The happier we are the more we do for our master, the less happy we are the more we rebel. Getting us killed or treating us badly lowers our happiness, treating us well increases our happiness.�

Alburet chuckled inwardly, thinking back to games in the past that used similar systems. So sacrificing the imp to run away would be a drawback as it would lower the happiness of the imp. �So if I die, what happens to you?�

�I return to my home plane until summoned again but I do not lose any happiness.�

�What is your happiness currently at?�

�Neutral. There are seven levels of happiness. Hated, Upset, Discontent, Neutral, Content, Respected, Revered.� Bob said, looking slightly bored.

�I see this is going to take me some time to learn. Oh well, let's get going and you can help me learn as we go. I'm glad to have you by my side, Bob,� Alburet said as he stepped to the doors that should lead them out. A pop-up flashed in front of him and after glancing at it he paused to discontinue that pop-up through the menu.

+1 Happiness for Bob

He left alone the one that would tell him when the minion shifted to a different level of happiness but that was all. �Oh, almost forgot,� Alburet murmured, stopping to slap his hands together, �Retribution,� then pressed his hand to Bob's head. �Now you�re buffed, let's see what kind of trouble we can get into.� He repeated the process for himself and pulled the doors open.

A misty courtyard with a weak sun greeted his eyes, with billows of cloud wafting slowly through the space before him. The only notable detail were the thirty foot walls just barely visible at times when a gap in the mist opened.

�Obscuring mist,� Bob said, �to have such a large effect the caster would have to be very powerful.�

Pursing his lips, Alburet shook his head. It wasn't like he had a choice if he really wanted his freedom. �Hopefully they aren't hanging about. Let's find the gate and get out.�

Bob followed him down the few steps to the cobbled road that came to the front of the building. Following the road on the premise that it would lead to a way out seemed like a good idea. After a few hundred feet they came to a massive gate on their right. Studying it, Alburet noted that it looked like it led further into the complex.

�I don't think we should go that way,� Alburet said, turning to follow the road again.� Another few hundred feet brought them to a mammoth double door with a smaller single door set in it. �This might be it,� Alburet said, when a large figure lumbered out of the mist.

Stepping back from the figure saved Alburet a lot of pain as a two-handed sword came through the space he had just been in. Alburet locked onto the figure, finding a level 6 Skeleton Gate Guard in rusty chain mail shirt attacking him with 500/500 health.

Tossing the torch at the skeleton as it was no longer needed, Alburet took his staff in hand and swung at the guard. The blow connected with the chain and only turned up a single point of damage. �Bob, could use some help here,� Alburet said as he ducked the next swing from the guard.

A small globe of fire splashed onto the guard�s unprotected legs, doing 21 damage. That caused the skeleton to turn toward Bob, who was already starting to cast another fire blast. As the skeleton turned, Alburet swung the staff into an overhead attack and brought it down firmly on the guard's skull. The critical to the unprotected head of the mob recorded 32 damage and made the mob turn back to Alburet.

Unfortunately for Alburet, the attack had put him a little off balance so the skeleton's attack as it turned caught him in the side and threw him back a few feet. Gasping, Alburet winced at having a small truck hit him costing him 24 health as well as leaving a gash in his side that coincided with the debuff Bleeding, which caused 10% of the wound�s initial damage every six seconds for one minute.

Another fire blast hit the skeleton in the legs, but the skeleton kept advancing on Alburet. Straightening back up, Alburet waited for the mob and was barely able to parry the next attack. The mob had way more strength than he did, which meant he could easily be overpowered. Dancing back to give himself some more room, Alburet saw another fire blast catch the creature again in the legs. This time the Guard turned towards Bob and started to advance on the imp, raising its sword as it went.

Alburet stepped forward quickly, thrusting the staff like a spear into the back of the mob's head. He was again rewarded with a critical strike, taking another 32 health off the mob which made it pivot and bring the sword down in a vicious strike aimed at him. His attempted parry was useless against the strength of the mob. He took 48 points of damage and was knocked prone.

The guard slammed its sword down at Alburet, who twisted away to avoid being hit in the head again. The attack connected with his side instead, gashing him again and adding a second bleed. Rolling to try and get some distance, he lost the staff in the process as he got to his feet. Alburet pulled out the dagger, wincing in pain as the two bleeding wounds ticked away. He didn't want to fight a two-handed sword with a dagger but unless he could get back to his staff it was a lost cause.

Two more fire blasts hit the mob, making it turn again to Bob who looked slightly panicked. �I'm starting to run low on mana, master,� the imp squeaked.

Putting the dagger away as he ran, Alburet grabbed the staff and went after the guard again, gauging how close this fight was going to be. The mob was at 330/500 while he was at 180/300 and losing a bit at a time due to the bleeds.

Bob ran from the guard, dodging as best he could and hoping that Alburet would regain the skeleton�s attention. Alburet dug out the health potion and downed it, blinking as his health was restored and the bleed debuffs went away. 230/300 was much better than the previous total and made his pain subside a great deal.

Just as the guard swung at Bob Alburet was able to strike the blade, making it go high. �Run for it until it attacks me again,� Alburet said, stepping back and preparing to attack the mob again.

Bob darted past Alburet in a funny half skip kind of run. The mob ignored Alburet, going after the imp again and as it turned its back on Alburet he slammed the staff right into the unprotected knee of the skeleton. 32 damage and a debuff appeared on the skeleton, Crippled. It began to turn back to Alburet who backed away from it, noticing it was limping on the damaged leg as it followed him.

�Bob, hit it in the head if you can, otherwise go for the legs,� Alburet cried out as he dodged the first attack from the skeleton.

�I can only cast another couple of spells, master,� Bob said as he launched another fire blast at the guard, this time hitting it in the head and taking off 42 life.

�Okay, do what you can,� Alburet said as he tried to parry again, but missed and took the sword to the ribs again which flung him back and into the double doors. �Fuck,� Alburet hissed, knowing he had just run out of room to maneuver.

The next fire blast came in, clipping the skeleton's head and causing it to turn back to Bob as another forty two health came off of it. Breathing a partial sigh of relief, Alburet followed the skeleton but held his attack. 214/500 was what the mob had left while Alburet was sitting at 108/300.

�Last one,� Bob called out, using its last bit of mana to take another 42 health off the guard.

�Dodge as best you can, it will take me a moment to pull it off you,� Alburet called out, hoping he could get two or three attacks in before it turned on him again. �Too bad Retribution wore off before we reached the gate,� he wheezed to himself as he pulled the staff back to hit the mob.

The staff connected with the other knee this time, again doing 32 damage and adding a second counter to the cripple debuff. Its speed was now halved as it limped after Bob. Smiling at the fact they might pull this off after all, Alburet brought the staff around into the first knee again just as the mob was getting close enough to attack the imp, who had paused to wheeze for breath.

That attack was enough to pull aggro back to Alburet, who realized it as the skeleton spun with the sword whistling in an arc as it did. The blow hit him again in the ribs and launched him twenty feet back and causing him to bleed again. Gasping, Alburet climbed to his feet shakily hoping he could land three more attacks before this thing killed him.

The guard limped toward him, its sword cocked back ready to attack when it got into range. Alburet watched it, judging the probable attack and hoped he was right. As it took the last two steps to get into range, Alburet darted forward going into a shoulder roll on the sword side of the skeleton. He hoped the skeleton wouldn't be able to bring the sword straight down as easily as it could have across.

The tumble worked as the skeleton didn't swing, but turned around to reacquire him. Alburet came to his feet and swung the staff, again catching the skeleton in the knees. Alburet hadn't expected the skeleton to turn as quickly as it did with the debuffs though, and found himself flying back again from a kick that did another 5 damage to him. He landed in a lump next to Bob.

�Not very good at this are you?� Bob asked.

�I didn't run out of mana,� Alburet wheezed, getting back to his feet. �Two more hits should do it but that might also land me back at my starting point.�

Bob chuckled, �You can do it.� He stepped back quickly behind Alburet as the skeleton came into range again.

Alburet cursed softly and slammed the staff like a spear into the thing�s skull just before the sword slammed into his ribs, flinging him away again and adding another stack of that damnable bleed. Gasping in pain, Alburet tried to climb to his feet to meet the guard as it trudged towards him.

�You done?� Bob asked with a hint of laughter to its voice. �You�re still alive, come on, be a man.�

Hissing in pain, Alburet got to his feet and glared at the imp, �Next time you can tank.�

Bob shook a finger at him, �Not a good plan. If I tank I can't do this.� With that it launched another fire blast at the skeleton's head, killing it.

Alburet slumped back to the ground and flipped the imp off. �Fucker, how long did you hold that?�

Bob skipped over to Alburet, �I got the mana for another blast right when you landed in your last heap. I do recover mana during combat, just not fast enough to be an endless supply of damage.�

Alburet breathed out in relief as the pain faded away when the last bleed fell off�leaving him at 5/300 and he started to regain health. Once he was healed up he stood, �Well, we won. I never would have stood a chance without you. So, even with the snark, thank you.�

Bob dipped a shallow bow with a laugh, �We aim to serve.�

�Let's loot him and see if we can get the gate open.� Alburet crossed to the mob and looted the corpse. The rusty damaged chain mail shirt gave 14 armor, but it was red to him when examined which meant he couldn't equip it. He set it aside and checked the sword, a Pitted Rusty Great Sword which did 25 damage and was also red to him. The only other thing on the mob was a key for the small door in the gate.

As both of the rusty items were only worth a handful of copper he considered leaving them, then smirked. He pulled all the femurs out of his bag and tried to put the blade into the bag. It disappeared just like the bag that belonged to Mary Poppins. Laughing, he put the chain mail inside as well. These at least those were worth coin, unlike the femurs.

�Okay, we got us a key. Let's see what happens,� Alburet said as he walked towards the gate with Bob trailing along behind him.

As he inserted the key and turned the lock he was frozen in place. A look at his bar told him he had a new debuff, Paralyzed. A dark laugh rang out behind him, �So, one of the intakes survived my spell even after all these years. How interesting. Where did you think you were going, exactly?�

An invisible force pulled Alburet around so he could see a person clad in dark robes with silver filigree standing a few feet away from him. Finding himself able to speak Alburet replied, �To civilization, I had hoped. I don't know who you are or what�s going on, but at this point I was just hoping to get out.�

The only part of the man Alburet could see was the pale chin and dark goatee as the mage spoke on. �So freedom is your only goal then?�

�Pretty much was the only one I had since I woke up,� Alburet replied, wondering why the dev team would put this kind of event in here.

�I am willing to let you go and will even send you to a city if you can give me anything of value to make up for all the damage you�ve caused me,� The man smirked, clearly figuring Alburet had nothing of value.

�I would kind of need to be able to move,� Alburet said, at which point the debuff vanished. �Thanks,� Alburet muttered and pulled two items he had that might be worth anything, the books, out of his bag. �Either of these catch your eye?�

The man paused, cocking his head to the side, a smile forming on his lips. �I've been looking for that tome for some time now. To think it was held in the intake wing. Yes, I will take the slim tome in your right hand, just toss it to me please.�

Alburet gently underhanded the book spine first to the dark clothed man. �Glad to do business with you. So, about me leaving?�

The man flipped the book open and began to laugh the crazed laugh of the truly demented and Alburet suddenly had a bad feeling about what he had done. �Enjoy the world while you can, it will be ending sooner than you think.� The man snapped his fingers and a wave of blackness enveloped Alburet.

In the darkness multiple notifications popped up before his eyes. Alburet read through them, shaking his head, the last one made him sigh. �Fucking devs, going to pin whatever happens on me, I just know it.�

Quest Completed: Escape the Forgotten Prison.

Receive: Two Thousand XP.

Quest Completed: Find a person who wants the eldritch book.

Receive: Twenty Thousand XP.

Congratulations on completing your tutorial. You are now being transferred to the regular starting city for humans.

You have achieved multiple levels would you like to adjust your stats before you appear?

Alburet declined, he wanted to find a trainer before he added more numbers to himself. He felt a trainer would be able to give him a better understanding of how he should build himself. He shook his head over the fact he had just jumped from level three to level six.

The darkness vanished and he found himself standing before a massive stone wall. Fifty feet away were gates standing wide open, large enough for four wagons abreast, with four guards standing watch. As he took in the sight one of the guards turned to him, drawing his sword.

�Summoner, you are not allowed to have your minions present while in the city,� The guard said firmly, standing his ground and holding the sword ready.

�Bob, I think you should go for a bit.� Alburet said, eyeing the level 80 guard.

Nodding, Bob vanished in a puff of smoke. As the imp vanished the guard sheathed his sword, �Remember not to summon them inside the walls or you will end up in the stockades.�

Alburet nodded once and stepped over to the guard cautiously, �A question if I may, sir. Where can I find others of my kind?�

The guard sneered, �Filth like you is in the gutter. Move along before I arrest you for causing a disturbance.�

Blinking, Alburet walked into the city marveling at the degree of animosity the guard had shown just because he was a Summoner. The standard capital city stretched out all around him. Buildings of white stone stood gleaming in the sunlight with cobblestone streets and street signs at each corner.

�Maybe someone else can direct me to where Summoners hang out,� Alburet said softly as he walked down the main road.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 6

Strength: 5

Agility: 5

Constitution: 15

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 15

Charisma: 20

15 points to distribute

Health: 450

Mana: 450

Spells:

Demon Skin (Rank 2)

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Abilities:

None

1 Ability to train; see your trainer

Stormguard

As he walked down the street he noted the lack of names, status bars or anything similar over the heads of those moving around on the street. He focused on a small child to get targeting info, William McDonald level 1, 60/60 health. There was nothing to indicate whether the child was a player or NPC though, which he found a little odd. Stopping next to a wall, Alburet leaned against it and watched the street for a bit. Among the people walking he could see people running as well, chuckling he realized these were probably players because no one walked in games. He focused on one of the runners, ArticBreath level 3, 200/200 health. Alburet laughed, knowing that had to be a player. No NPC in any game he�d ever heard of would have a name like that. He targeted a few more people and came to understand how to easily tell the difference. NPC�s had surnames while players only had a first name or two names smashed together with no space between them.

Shaking his head he pushed off the wall and started walking again, no need to run since he had all the time he could possibly want after all. As he walked he noticed some people giving him distasteful looks and wondered why. He ducked his head down thinking and scratched his chin, as he did he noticed his hand. The leathery, reddish skin forced him to sigh. He wondered how to remove a buff early and a pop-up appeared asking if he wanted to remove his Demon Skin, with his acceptance his skin reverted to normal. After a few more blocks he noticed that he�d stopped getting looks from people. With another sigh he wondered where he needed to go to find a trainer, more so since his class clearly wasn�t loved in town.

He paused again, thinking about his options, when he noticed a young man sidling up behind an old woman in a very smooth manner. Narrowing his eyes, Alburet watched the thief deftly reach out and cut the strings tying a small purse to her belt. The thief took the purse and spun on his heel, walking towards Alburet while moving away from his victim. Shaking his head, Alburet waited where he was as the thief approached his position. Just then the woman started to swear like a sailor as she realized her purse had been stolen. Alburet let the thief go by before spinning and grabbing him in a rear naked choke, slamming the thief into the nearby wall.

�Lady, over here,� Alburet called out loudly as the thief dropped the coin purse and tried to break the hold. People on the street were looking over, but giving Alburet and his captive plenty of room. The woman strode over, her eyes flashing. A moment later a whistle shrilled from the other direction and two guards came running up. The thief had stopped struggling, passing out from the choke hold, so Alburet eased the unconscious man to the ground.

�What is the meaning of this?� the older of the two guards demanded.

�I observed this person cutting this woman�s purse from her belt. He then started moving towards me so I waited and subdued him until a guard could come and claim him. I hailed her after I had this man locked up, at which point she and you converged on me.� Alburet said then nudged the purse with his foot, �Your purse I believe, madam.�

She snatched it up, �It is indeed. Monogrammed with my initials, a gift from my late husband. You have my deepest thanks, kind sir. Let me give you a reward for getting my purse back to me.�

Alburet held up a hand, �No need to. I can�t stand by and watch a cut-purse take someone�s things.�

The guard cleared his throat, �If you would come with us, sir. We will need you to swear a statement at the station.�

�Glad to, officer,� Alburet smiled, glad he was able to once again be viewed positively by a police type person. �He�ll wake up shortly,� Alburet began as the thief stirred.

The second guard slapped manacles onto the thief and hauled him to his feet. �Up you come sunshine, we�re taking a walk to the stockades, we are.�

The old lady spoke up again, �Sir, might I at least have your name so when I tell my friends I can properly tell them who my hero was?�

�Alburet is my name, ma�am,� Alburet said, watching as the guards waited for the thief to be able to stand on his own.

�You are in terrible need of a new outfit, Alburet. Let me give you a small token of thanks so you can remedy that issue.� She held out a largish silver coin engraved with an elaborate insignia with a smile.

Alburet gave her a small bow and accepted the coin, �Far be it from me to disagree with a lady. I thank you again, ma�am and I wish you a pleasant day.� He turned with the guards following them as they guided the thief between them. He glanced back to see the old lady smiling as she watched them go.

�Right charmer, you are,� the older guard chuckled. �Old Lady Theron is a bit of a miser. For her to give that coin away is almost unheard of, but she is right. Your clothes are horrible. I have to admit, I�m curious as to how you disabled this here thief so easily.�

�Rear naked choke, simple unarmed maneuver. Easy to do when the opponent isn�t expecting it and you�re behind them.� Alburet shrugged as he explained.

�Might I get you to show me how you managed that when we get to the station?�

Quest: Teach the guard

Reward: Increased reputation with Stormguard�s Guards

Chuckling, Alburet nodded, �Be more than happy to. I know a few different maneuvers you can pick up easily.�

The rest of the walk was in silence as they wound through the city. They passed a small cemetery next to an inn and Alburet made note of it. If he were a Necromancer he would think that inn a prime place to set up. He made plans check there after to see if he could get help finding the Summoner area. Right after the graveyard they passed by a number of temples built in all manner of shapes and sizes. The largest one showed a depiction of a large man in full plate holding a flaming sword above his head. Past that were more temples tapering off again in size until they reached a very large square building.

�The stockades,� the older guard said at Alburet�s questioning look. They went around the corner of it onto another street and in the distance Alburet could see the guards stationed at a gate set into the wall. �We hold the accused and the convicted inside these walls on order of the King.�

�So, a guard station and jail all in one place,� Alburet said as they passed the guards on the gate, who eyed him with scornful eyes. Alburet wondered if looking like a vagrant was the reason, but let it roll off him. He did note that a few other people were coming and going in the courtyard as well.

They entered the main building, passing more guards on duty by the door, to enter a very large room. Desks were scattered through the room, most of them occupied. Various other people bustled around the room. Following the two guards, Alburet ended up in the back of the room before a grey haired matron who looked like she could chew nails. Staying back until asked to comment, Alburet just watched with a sense of nostalgia, thinking back on his old job. When asked he gave his statement about the incident, which the matron wrote down before having him sign at the bottom. She thanked him and two very large men came over and took the accused from the two street guards as she dismissed them all.

�Tough lady,� Alburet said as he followed the guards back into the courtyard.

�Oh, that she is. When she was younger it�s said she broke up a riot by herself. When the other guards got there she was the only one left standing. Granted, she was swaying a bit, but she was still standing.� The younger guard laughed.

�Looks like she could chew iron and spit daggers,� Alburet agreed. �So, about me showing you the choke, where are we going?�

The older guard pointed to a small building inside the walls, �Over there. Inside is the training room.�

Once they reached the building the older guard excused himself for a moment, ducking into an office as the younger guard led Alburet into the big central room. A minute later the older guard came in followed by a middle aged man who had an impressive collection of scars on his face. �Alburet, this here is our chief trainer, Captain Martinez Roberto,� the guard said by way of introduction.

Captain Roberto eyed Alburet before shaking hands, nodding at the firm grip. �My man said you had a way of subduing a thief quickly and easily. If you wouldn�t mind showing it to me?�

�Not a problem,� Alburet said, setting his bag and weapon aside. �Can I get one of you to volunteer?�

The younger guard took off his helm but kept his chain mail on, �I�ll do it.�

�Okay, we�ll do this at full speed first and once you wake up I�ll walk you all through it.� Alburet said, limbering up, �What I need you to do is walk past me.�

The young guard nodded and backed up a few feet before walking by Alburet. The other two watched as Alburet spun behind the guard and caught him in the choke. He saw a debuff appear on the guard, Strangulation that he hadn�t noticed on the thief earlier. Alburet then turned the younger man around to show the other two the hold from the front. �Rear naked choke, it�s very effective as long as the person doesn�t expect you to grab them from behind.� He gently set the young man down once he stopped struggling. �He�ll wake up in a few moments.�

�Hmm interesting, where did you learn this technique?� Roberto asked with real interest in his voice.

�I�m an adventurer, we pick these things up.�

�Ah, that would explain it. You lot are quite peculiar indeed.� Roberto said, nodding just as the young man groaned coming back to his senses.

�Once he�s on his feet I�ll walk you through how to apply the hold. I can also show you another submission take down or two, if you want.�

�Yes, but let me grab another couple of men,� Roberto said, walking out of the room quickly.

The next hour Alburet taught the guards some self-defense tactics just like he used to do back at his old job. �That should give you something to work with besides having to use the clubs,� Alburet said with a grin.

�I thank you very much,� Roberto said, his grim demeanor finally falling away. �I need to invite the royal guard captain down here and spar with him now. If you want to stop by and show us more at any point, I will be sure to make time for you Alburet.�

�Will do, but first I need to go see about some things,� Alburet said as the quest pop-up flashed before his eyes.

Quest Completed: Teach the guard

Receive: Increased reputation with the Guards of Stormguard

Bonus reward: You are now Liked by Captain Roberto the Guard Trainer

Roberto offered him a cup of water, �Anything specific?�

Alburet dug the damaged book out of his bag, �Know anyone who might want to buy this?�

Roberto took it and flipped it open, his eyes growing wide. �Justice smiles upon you. This book will fetch a good price with the right people, even damaged as it is. I would suggest you take it to the royal auction house.� He closed the book and handed it back, looking at Alburet with pursed lips. �I won�t ask where you got it from, but I wouldn�t show it around.�

Chuckling, Alburet stood up, �I found it in a ruin and thought it might be worth at least a few coins. Well, I�m off to get some new clothes with Madam Theron�s coin first, as I doubt the royal auction house will deal with me in my present state.�

Shaking his head, Roberto walked him to the gate, �You are right there, Alburet. Take care and may the rest of the day shine down Justice�s light upon you.�

�Oh, just one more quick question,� Alburet asked before Roberto could leave, �which way to a tailor?�

Later, Alburet found the shop with needle and thread emblazoned above it. Walking in, he was greeted by the smell of cedar. A young woman sat behind the counter smiling as the door opened, her smile faltering when she saw him. �Can I help you� sir?�

Alburet chuckled, �I do hope so. Captain Roberto said you would be able to assist me with a new set of clothing. I do have some coin, fear not. My current dress is not indicative of my financial standing.�

Her lips pursed slightly at Roberto�s name, with a nod she stood up, �What exactly are you looking for?�

�Truthfully? Everything. I have only these old boots and this tattered robe to my name. So I will leave myself in your capable hands as to what you think I should be wearing.� He pulled the large silver coin he�d gotten from Old Lady Theron from his bag. �I hope this will cover the costs.�

Her smile bloomed as she took the coin from him, �Yes, it will indeed, mi'lord. Let me grab my measure and we will get this done quickly. I have a few items that I can alter, we can have you in better clothes inside the hour.� She darted behind the counter and came back with measuring rope. �Please stand with your back straight and your arms out.�

Alburet did as requested for the next few minutes as she took his measurements. She stood back up after having taken his inseam, �Alright, I can have you in a robe in a matter of minutes or a shirt and trousers in a little over half an hour. You could also wear a pair of slippers inside those boots if you want. It is normal to wear cloth under all kinds of armor.�

�I�m used to a shirt and pants truth be told, so let�s do that and I will gladly take a set of slippers as well.� Alburet said as she led him over to a chair in the corner.

�I shall get started at once. Please relax here, I shall send my son out with a cup of tea for you.� she said before she darted into the back.

Alburet wondered just how badly he was about to get fleeced here but shrugged, it had been found money after all. A few minutes later a boy of about eight came out with a cup of tea on a saucer. �Mum said this is for you, mister.� Alburet accepted the tea and sipped it as the child stared at him. �Are you a vagrant, mister?�

Almost spitting the tea out, Alburet managed to swallow it but coughed. �Not as such, no. I am an adventurer and just recently got to the city after a very long and dangerous task. I�m here to make sure people stop thinking I�m a vagrant.� His stomach growled, reminding him he needed to eat soon. Shrugging, he pulled the aged meat from his bag and tore a chunk off.

�Cor mister, that stuff looks ancient, you sure it�s safe?� the kid asked with wide eyes.

�Not at all, but what is life without some danger, eh?� Alburet said as he sipped some tea, hoping it would help moisten the meat so he could actually start to chew it.

The kid backed up shaking his head, �I think you�re looney.� The boy darted into the back, away from Alburet.

With nothing else to do Alburet kept eating, finishing the meat just as the tailor came back out with his items. �Here you are sir, trousers, shirt and slippers. Is there anything else you need?�

�A long cloak if that is still within budget, please,� Alburet said with a pleasant smile.

She darted into the back and came back out with a grey long cloak, �Here you are then, sir.�

Alburet nodded his thanks, �Do you happen to have a room where I can get changed?�

Smiling, she walked him over to a curtained alcove. �If there is any problem just let me know, milord.�

Alburet changed into the new clothing and felt better immediately about how he looked. He stuffed the robe into his bag as he exited the changing area. �I feel so much better now,� he said with a smile at the tailor. �Thank you miss�?�

Dimpling, the tailor gave him a curtsy, �Margret Wilson is my humble name, sir.�

Alburet paused, �I think I�m missing something. Either that simple silver coin is worth a hell of a lot more than I thought or it isn�t currency as such.�

Margret looked at him puzzled, �It is a noble�s marker coin sir. It is emblazoned with Lady Theron�s sigil, meaning she will cover all costs at the store you give it to.�

Covering his face with a hand, Alburet chuckled, �Ah, she fooled me right well. If that�s the case, I think turnabout is fair play indeed. I would like to commission a new full set of clothing from you, then. As well as a money pouch and a belt to hang it on.�

Looking puzzled, Margret pursed her lips, �You didn�t know what the coin was for? Why did Lady Theron give it to you?�

�I stopped a thief from taking her money pouch. She wanted to give me coin but I turned her down, so she insisted on giving me that silver coin.� He shrugged, �It seems like she outwitted me. I had thought it might be worth a bit more than a normal silver was all.�

A soft chuckle escaped Margret, �Oh, I see now. I will be glad to make you a whole outfit from scratch sir. I can get you a belt and money pouch right now, if you would like?�

�Please,� he said, which sent her dashing into the back room briefly once more. �Thank you. How long does a new outfit normally take?� He put on the belt, attaching the money pouch and dagger to it.

�I can have it done by tomorrow if you want simple, or a week if you want grand,� Margret said.

�Take your time, then. I shall return in a week to pick it up.� Alburet gave her a small bow, �Thank you for this fine clothing, I look forward to seeing what magic you�ve worked when I return.�

Margret walked him to the door with a laugh, �I wish you a pleasant day, sir.�

�Oh,� he said, feeling a right ass, �my name is Alburet.�

�I wish you a pleasant day, Alburet,� she replied.

Walking away from the tailor�s, he started in the direction Roberto had told him the Royal Auction lay in. Eventually he reached a gaudy building fronted with fluted, elaborately carved columns. Shaking his head, he noted the sign declaring it his intended destination. He walked through the main door and paused at the very richly appointed lobby. A man in silks hurried over to him as Alburet stood there taking in all the gold leaf and silk.

�May I help you, sir?� The man�s voice dripped with distaste as he looked Alburet up and down.

Pulling the book from his bag, Alburet turned his eyes to the painfully thin silk clad man. �I was told this was the place to bring such an item, to be sold to the right people.� He held the book out.

His head held high and with a sniff of dismissal, the curator took the book opening it to the title page. Alburet was watching carefully, but still almost missed the reaction. �Yes, this book might fetch a few coins here. I would be willing to spare you the time and hassle by buying it out right from you right now for five gold.�

Blinking, Alburet was mildly stunned, not expecting gold right up front. He shook his head sadly though. �Not going to happen. Nice try to all but steal the book, though.� He watched the man react as if he had been slapped, �I want to put it up for auction as is with a conservative reserve to make sure it fetches what it should.�

�Hmm, I see,� the man said, eyeing Alburet with narrow eyes. �What makes you think it is worth more than my offer?�

�The Forgotten Prison is a legend of the first empire is it not?� Alburet bluffed, not even knowing if he was telling the truth or not.

Sighing, the curator turned, �Follow me, please.�

Alburet followed along behind the man and was led into an office. Behind the desk sat a man who looked to be in his prime, even with the stark white hair. The curator motioned him to a seat as he set the book before the seated man and whispered to him. The white haired man raised his eyebrows, chuckling before he dismissed the first man.

�Welcome to the royal auction house. Would you care for a drink?�

�I�m good for the moment, but thank you. I am Alburet, what might your name be?�

�I am the curator of this place, my name is Vladimir, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Do you mind if I look this book over before we talk business?�

�Considering the other man already did, be my guest,� Alburet said indifferently.

Vladimir smiled, allowing Alburet to see the sharp canines he had. �So kind,� Vladimir said before turning his attention to the book. He leafed slowly through the first ten pages then quickly skimmed the rest. �I do believe this is an authentic edition of the book. Did you wish to sell it to us or put it up for auction?�

Pursing his lips for a moment, Alburet thought about it. �I have had no dealings at this level before, Vladimir,� Alburet said bluntly. �I�m an adventurer and as such do not move in higher society. I would hear your advice on this matter.�

Chuckling, Vladimir picked up his goblet and took a sip, �Cautious, polite and honest. My goodness, will wonders never cease? You have a decent chance of collecting a right bounty if you auction this book, but it will take some time for us to properly set up such an auction. That would leave you without the book or coin to spend while we did so. Your other option is to let me buy it from you myself, I promise you a very good price but, alas, not as much as what you might get at auction.�

�What would you do with the book if I sold it to you?�

�I would gift it to his Majesty King Tyr the Third during the upcoming ball.�

Quest: Sell or Auction

Rewards: Variable depending on your actions

Alburet chewed his lip for a second, �I do need coin at the moment, but I have a feeling that having you as an ally might be my best bet for later in life. I agree to sell it to you Vladimir, at a reasonable price and to be viewed with kindness in the future.�

Quest Completed: Sell or Auction

Receive: Become Liked by Vladimir the Royal Auctioneer

Bonus: A Unique Item specific to your class or gold

Laughing, Vladimir gave a bow of his head, �Ah, so even two-souled adventurers think of alliances, this is good to know. Have you established an account with the bank here?� When Alburet shook his head Vladimir sighed, �I do not wish to hand over large amounts of coin. Would you be interested in a trade instead?�

�What kind of trade?�

�I will give you an item useful only to those who consort with demons in exchange for this book. I know you might be interested, as the scent of brimstone hangs about you.�

Alburet considered, �Can I see this item first?�

Chuckling, Vladimir put a bag on his desk then reached into it. He pulled out a set of dark red soft leather boots, which he set on the desk. �Examine these and tell me what you think,� Vladimir gave another sharp smile.

Alburet did as he was asked and focused on the boots to see their stats.

Demon Lord�s Boots

Unique Scaling Item, Part of the Demon Lord set

Armor 6 to feet (up to 100 depending on level) stacks with Demon Skin

Agility 6 (up to 100 depending on level)

Wisdom 6 (up to 100 depending on level)

Indestructible

You and your minions can move at double speed when one of your minions is present

Becomes Soul Bound when equipped

Other parts of set:

Robe

Crown

Gloves

Pants

Belt

3 pieces bonus: ???

6 piece bonus: ???

�Wow, those are very interesting indeed,� Alburet said softly.

�Do we have a deal then?�

�Do you have any more of this set?�

�Sadly no,� Vladimir said, �I can give you directions to others of your kind though if you want. Maybe they have information on where other pieces might be.�

�Hmm, still not sure the boots by themselves are worth it,� Alburet said trying to bluff for more.

Vladimir met Alburet�s eyes, �Your heart rate is giving you away. I will ask once more only, then I will withdraw the offer.�

Sighing, Alburet shrugged, �Fine. I�ll take the boots. They�re more use to me than a book is.�

�Glad to do business with you,� Vladimir said as he pushed the boots across the desk. �I shall mark your map so you can find your trainers.�

�Don�t have a map,� Alburet said as he put the boots on, feeling them size themselves to his feet.

�That�s not right, the third quest in the village should have rewarded you with the basic map,� Vladimir said with a frown.

Laughing, Alburet shook his head, �Never seen the village. I came from an altogether different place.�

Frown deepening, Vladimir stared at him then blinked, �So I see. Very well, I will add in a map as part of the deal. Do you happen to have anything else of value to offer me?�

Pulling the letter opener from his bag, Alburet placed it on the desk, �Got that from the same place as the book.�

Vladimir frowned at the letter opener which was covered in a thick layer of tarnish. He peered closely at it then brought a jewelers loupe to his eye, studying it before sighing. �Where did you find these, exactly?�

�Sorry, I promised not to tell,� Alburet said with a smile. �I would trade it to you for a bag like yours and a much better map.�

Vladimir rubbed his temples, �A level six Summoner shouldn�t be able to have things like this. We have a deal, this letter opener for a bag and map of excellent quality.� He pulled the bell pull next to him and his assistant opened the door. �Bring me a bag and map suitable for a high noble.�

The assistant raised a brow before bowing and closing the door. �I think he doesn�t like me,� Alburet chuckled.

�You are dressed as a commoner, of course he doesn�t. He barely tolerates the lesser nobles. He will like you quite soon though, rest assured of that. While we wait, would you like a drink?�

�I�m good actually, but thanks,� Alburet said as he tucked the old boots into his bag.

They sat in silence as Vladimir leafed through the book intently until his assistant returned. �Ah good,� Vladimir said, taking the items from his servant then marking the map and handing them over to Alburet. Alburet blinked to see the bag had 100 slots, and would become soul bound when he equipped it. �There you are. We have concluded our business. I wish you a pleasant day and if you do come across any more items such as these, do bring them to me first.�

Alburet slung the backpack over his shoulder as he stood up. He picked up the map, getting a pop up asking if he wanted to soul bind it. He selected yes and blinked as it vanished, �Err��

Vladimir laughed a deep booming laugh, �It is part of you now. Do you not know how maps work?�

Alburet mentally asked for his map and it appeared in his hand. �I get it now, just wasn�t expecting it.� He willed it away and it vanished, �I will of course bring anything of similar value to you first, Vladimir. Have a good day and a wonderful night.�

As he exited to the street after the assistant showed him out he found the sun waning. He checked his map and headed off to finally see his trainer with a jaunty whistle as he walked. The game was really picking up, even if he was a little more geared then he should be. He still needed to sell off the junk and see about a real weapon. After he found the trainer would be soon enough he figured.

He ended up back at the inn right next to the small cemetery. He frowned, as he had been sure this would be the Necromancer hang out. Shaking his head, he went into the inn to find it fairly busy with people drinking and laughing. Raising a brow at the sheer number of people, he walked to the bar where he greeted the cadaverous bartender. �What you got here?�

The bartender looked him over before replying, �Anythin' ya could want really, minus the real exotic stuff like dwarven ale or elven wine. What ya havin'?�

�Dark ale, please.�

�Five coppers.� The bartender set the mug down with a thump and Alburet dropped ten copper coins beside it.

�Where can I find a trainer for the path of demon mastery?�

Smirking, the bartender picked up the coins and pointed out a man in a long black cloak sitting in the corner all by himself. �Talk ta Stewart, if he thinks ya worthy he�ll teach ya.�

Picking up the mug, Alburet sampled the contents and smiled at the thick, heavy taste of good dark ale. Nodding his thanks to the bartender, Alburet crossed the room to the lone man. �Stewart, might I join you for a moment? My name is Alburet.�

The person raised his hooded head, allowing Alburet to get a good look at the man�s red skin and glowing eyes. �What do you want?�

Taking the seat, Alburet took another sip of ale, �Looking for someone to train me in the path of Summoning.�

Pursing his lips Stewart sat up, really looking Alburet over. His gaze lingered on the boots before he stood with a nod, �Follow me, trainee.�

Draining the mug, Alburet left it on the table before he followed Stewart down a hallway, then down a set of stairs. They entered a cellar where Stewart produced a light crystal which he released in midair. Alburet blinked watching the crystal float by itself as he followed Stewart to the back wall. Stewart pressed a stone inwards, causing a section of wall to slide away.

Staying silent, Alburet followed Stewart into a tunnel which twisted and turned as it led them down. Eventually it came out into a huge room with the ceiling supported by columns. Each of the columns were sculpted into likenesses of undead or demons. As he marveled over the artistry, the smell of rotting flesh hit him.

Gagging slightly, Alburet held his nose as he continued to follow Stewart through the room. As they walked he noticed some people at desks poring over tomes while others ran from person to person. Ah, class training area for Summoners and Necromancers, he thought. At the far back of the room was a desk without anyone at it and Stewart slid into the chair. Next to the desk was a glowing pentagram just large enough for a person to stand on.

�Okay, would-be Summoner Alburet, what can I do for you?�

Noticing the lack of other chairs Alburet leaned against the desk. �As you can see, I�m relatively new here. I need to know what would be the best way for me to grow as well as hoping you can teach me my first ability.�

Stewart pulled his hood all the way back, revealing small horns on the top of his head. �Fresh blood, eh? Most Summoners focus on Intelligence and Wisdom with Constitution coming in a close third. As we aren't big on melee or non-magical ranged combat, we normally ignore strength and agility. Some pick up charisma, hoping that will help sway others into viewing them with less distrust and hatred. As for an ability, you have two choices right now.�

Stewart opened a book and slid it across to Alburet, �Pick either one.�

Alburet looked down at the book to see two options. Personal Spells, which would let him change the gestures and words for each of his spells to his own liking was the first choice. The second choice was a flat 10% boost to all fire based spells called Infernal Fire. Flat DPS increase versus a mostly cosmetic ability. He knew what the most likely choice would be for most people. Yet, he hesitated. The flat bonus was nice and all, but being able to customize the spells would be a different edge. It would make people pause to figure out what you were doing if you used non-standard movements and words to use your spells.

Stewart watched him curiously, as every other Summoner he had trained had quickly taken Infernal Fire, laughing at the other choice. His eyes narrowed as he watched this Summoner, who was clearly not average with the boots he was wearing.

Alburet chewed his lip before tapping the page with Personal Spells, then tapping the pop-up asking him to confirm his selection. �Well, this ought to be interesting,� Alburet chuckled as he glanced up to find Stewart watching him with interest. �Thanks for helping me out, Stewart. Can you give me any advice on where I should go hunt for the next few levels?�

Stewart smiled, �I can indeed. There is a goblin fort to the east of the city, out in the plains. The goblins should prove a challenge for you. You can get there by leaving the main gates and traveling east past the few villages that way. Or, if you have the coin you can get the portal guild to transport you to the small keep the king keeps there to stop the goblins from advancing.�

�I�ve got no money to speak of so I guess I'll have to hoof it,� Alburet said with a shrug. �Oh, where can I set my Homestone?�

�The graveyard next to the inn has a bind point. The tall obelisk is where you set it, just touch the stone to the indention there. Don't you have the gold for a simple teleport? You should have been able to pick it up in the village all adventurers start in.�

�I didn't start there, so no can do. Oh well, I just need to sell off some junk and then I�ll be on my way I guess. Does the king's fort have quests for killing the goblins?�

�Of course it does,� Stewart said, truly puzzled by this anomaly of an adventurer. �Your staff there is going to let you down though. I would suggest you stop at a shop and pick up a better weapon before you head out.�

�Will do,� Alburet said, pulling his map out, �just show me which shop you think would be best for me.�

Stewart blinked at the Traveler�s Map, �How in the Infernal Hells did you get a Traveler�s Map?�

Chuckling, Alburet shrugged, �Same place I got my boots and bag. But I'm not giving away all my secrets the first time we talk, Stewart. So, can you mark a good shop to pick up a staff appropriate for where I�m going?�

Shaking his head in disbelief, Stewart touched a shop on the map. �Grimgar's Weaponry will do fine for you. Tell Grim I sent you and he should knock 10% off his price.�

Alburet looked at the map before making it vanish, �Sounds great. Thanks again Stewart, see you later.� He turned to walk away when Stewart called out to him.

�Alburet, just step on the circle. It will take you to the graveyard.� Stewart said, pointing at the pentagram.

�Thanks again,� Alburet said with a nod and did so. He blinked at a flash of red light before his vision cleared and he found himself in the graveyard. �Handy teleport out, at least,� Alburet muttered as he walked over to the obelisk and touched his Homestone to it. �Alright, bound to the city and ready to go, shopping then the open road.�

Before he moved on he pulled up his character sheet to add his points and to check his spells. He quickly added his stat points then checked the two spells he had picked up.

Fire Blast: Mana cost: 30. Duration: Instant. Lob a blast of fire at your target. Fire Blast does 20 fire damage if it strikes the target. To use Fire Blast act as if compacting a snowball while chanting the spell name for two seconds, then throw the ball of fire at your target. (You may change this spell requirement due to your ability.)

Alburet touched the parenthesis portion of the spell. A pop-up asked him to touch it before making the motions and adding the words to change the spell. Smiling, he touched the pop up, changing the hand motions to a single hand clenching before opening back up while saying the phrase �Die in a fire.� Another pop-up asked him if he accepted the changes and he agreed, then looked at the spell again.

Fire Blast: Mana cost: 30. Duration: Instant. Lob a blast of fire at your target. Fire Blast does 20 fire damage if it strikes the target. To use Fire Blast clench and open one fist slowly while saying �Die in a fire,� then throw the ball of fire at your target. (You have changed the requirements of this spell with an ability.)

Nodding, he looked at the other spell he had gotten and frowned when he saw it was just Demon Skin rank 2. At rank two it gave him 20 armor and cost 75 mana, but that was the only difference. He sighed at the lack of new spell but knew it was probably the easy way for them to give out spells every level minus those with abilities.

He did jump over to Summon Least Imp and change the words on that spell to, 'I summon Bob the Mighty.' Chuckling at his own joke of the two foot imp being mighty, he closed down the screen and started walking to the weapon shop.

Alburet reached Grimgar�s Weaponry just as the sun started to sink behind the mountains. Walking into the shop a small bell jingled, he paused taking in the displays all along the walls. Closing the door behind him, Alburet walked over to the nearest display case which held crossbows. As he was looking them over a cough sounded behind him, �Can I help ye?�

Alburet turned to find the owner of the deep gravelly voice and saw a Dwarf standing there. �Ah greetings, I do hope so. I�m in need of a better weapon so I can go off to fight the goblins to the east.�

The bald dwarf swept his blue eyes over Alburet as he stroked his beard. �A caster I would guess, since ye don�t even have leather armor on. Where did you hear about my shop?�

�From my trainer, Stewart, at the Dead Man�s Inn,� Alburet replied.

Grimgar laughed, �Stew sent you to me? Hmm, interesting. That would make ye a Summoner like him. Unlike armor, weapons are available to everyone if ye have the strength to use them. For most weapons a simple ten strength will allow ye to use them. For the two handed variety, it takes a minimum of twenty. For the simplest of weapons it only takes five though, for instance a wooden club, quarterstaff or dagger. Once ye start getting into quality metals the strength requirement goes up, high steel weapons add another minimum twenty to the base requirement. At the top end is star metal, which takes at least a hundred strength for a one handed weapon made of that metal.�

Alburet coughed, shaking his head �Looks like I might need to see about upping my strength at some point then. For now, I can only use the most basic of weapons, it appears. I have a few silver to my name, is there any way for me to get a decent weapon for that? Also, do you know why the limitation on armor?�

Grimgar chuckled, �The Creator said so? No seriously, that is the only answer we have. An Elementalist is rumored to have increased his strength to the point of being able to use a two handed star metal sword, but he still can�t put on even hardened leather.�

Chalking it up to game balance, Alburet shrugged, �Far be it from me to question the Creator. So what can we do about getting me a decent weapon?�

Grimgar stroked his black beard for a moment before replying, �I will do ye a favor. I will take that battered staff off ye hands along with two silver. In return I will provide ye a staff capable of lasting you long enough to leave the goblins behind. Well unless ye die a lot, if ye do it be not me fault when the weapon breaks earlier than it should.�

�Can I see the staff first?�

Grimgar ducked into the back, coming back a moment later with a polished dark wood staff. �Here we are, one of me standard weapons suitable for slaying goblins,� Grimgar said, setting it on the counter.

Alburet focused on the staff to get the stats on it.

Quarterstaff

35 Damage

150/150 Durability

Nodding, Alburet set his old staff on the counter and dug two silver out of his money pouch, placing them next to the old staff. �We have a deal it seems,� Alburet said as he picked up the new staff with a grin. �Pleasure doing business with you, Grimgar.�

�Aye, just take ye time out there. Too many press too fast at the goblin fort then end up dead. I wish ye the best of luck on ye trip and make sure to pick up any quests the garrison might have.� Grimgar said as he pocketed the silver and slid the old staff under the counter.

Alburet said his goodbyes and walked out the door into the night. Stopping just outside the shop, he glanced up at the star lit sky then over as a large gold moon rose over the tops of the houses nearby. Studying the crater scarred surface of the moon, Alburet let out a whistle of admiration before he yawned. He rubbed his face for a moment then started walking back towards the Dead Man Inn. He wondered what a room would cost for the night and was going to find out as he finally felt tired.

When he finally got back he blinked. What he thought was busy earlier had clearly been wrong. The inn was packed now, all spots at the bar taken and all the tables were filled. A few more people leaned against the walls talking with others. Making his way over to the bar he waited until the bartender got down to him. �How much for a room for the night?�

�Three silver paid in advance,� the bartender replied in a half shout to be heard over the crowd.

Rolling his eyes Alburet dropped his last silvers onto the counter, �I�ll take it.�

The bartender motioned him off to the side before he let out a peculiar whistle through the doorway that was behind the bar. A moment later a white haired old woman came out and around to Alburet before leading him up the back stairs. She led him to a room and showed him the bed along with the basin and pitcher of water for washing before leaving him. Alburet secured the chain on the inside of the door once she left.

Walking over to the bed, he stripped off his boots followed by his clothes before he pulled the blanket down and climbed into the bed. Once he pulled the blanket over himself he closed his eyes and lay back waiting for sleep to come.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 6

Strength: 5

Agility: 11

Constitution: 20

Intelligence: 20

Wisdom: 26

Charisma: 20

Health: 500

Mana: 560

Spells:

Demon Skin-Rank 2

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Abilities:

Personal Spells

Goblins

Alburet woke feeling refreshed and ready for the day as he stretched while opening his eyes. He was momentarily surprised to see a wooden ceiling above him. As he lay there as memory came rushing back, causing him to smile as he sat up. Getting out of bed he quickly pulled his clothes on, noting that they showed no stains or sign of wear from his having worn them. His stomach growled and he glanced at his buff bar to find the Thirsty and Hungry debuffs. He also found a new buff that declared him Well Rested, giving him a 10% bonus to experience for the next six hours. He washed his face before picking up his bag and heading downstairs. The taproom was mostly deserted with just a barmaid behind the bar.

�Miss, what can I get for a quick meal?� Alburet asked as he took a seat.

�We only have bread, cheese and fruit in the morning costin' two copper per item. We also have tea available if ya want somethin' other than spirits to break ya fast,� She brushed her red hair back from her face as she replied to him with a smile. Her green eyes twinkled as she looked him over, �What would ya like?�

�Let�s take the bread along with some cheese and a mug of tea please,� Alburet said, placing six copper on the counter.

She swept them up with a business-like smile before yelling his order into the kitchen door. A moment later another maid, this one maybe eight years old, came out carrying a mug and plate. The first maid took them and set them down before Alburet. �There ya go, sir,� she said. Turning back to the young girl, she asked, �Does Hilda need any help back there?�

�Nay, she be doin' fine,� the girl replied in a thicker accent before disappearing back into the kitchen.

�Sister of yours?� Alburet asked as he broke the warm roll open so he could stuff the cheese into it.

�Aye, we are a family run place. Da handles the bar in the afternoon on, Ma runs the kitchen until dinner is ready. Me and me sisters are in charge of everythin' else that be needin' done,� she replied, her smile back in place as she turned to him. �We get busy in the evening, which means we are all workin' besides Ma who be getting her sleep in then.�

�So you work the morning and night? Sleeping during the middle of the day?� Alburet asked between bites of the cheese sandwich. He was really enjoying the nutty wheat flavor as well as the tangy bite of the cheddar.

�About right. Each of us handles specific tasks mostly, but all of us minus the youngun are workin' the taproom durin' the busy hours.�

Having demolished the food in short order Alburet grinned, �Well, the room was warm and comfortable last night. The food this morning is better than anything else I have eaten here in the city, and this apple tea is delicious.�

The maid giggled slightly and her accent deepened, �Ah ya jest sayin' tha�. Will ya be stayin' with us again?�

Finishing the tea, Alburet stood, �Anytime I�m here in town I will be. I�m probably heading off to kill some goblins to the East first, though.�

�Oh, ya be a two-souled then. Not many of ya be takin� rooms wit� us. I wish ya the best in the goblin slayin' and will welcome ya back when ya return,� She took the empty mug and plate into the kitchen.

Even though he was short on coin himself, Alburet dropped another copper onto the bar for her before he headed out. Just as he was clearing the door he heard her shout out to him, �Thank ya kindly for the tip.� He chuckled as the door shut behind him.

The sun was just rising, spreading light over the city. Alburet wondered what he should do. He didn�t have the money for a transport spell to get him to the goblins quickly, which meant having to hoof it to the east. He could always go out to the starter village and see about doing the quests there to raise money, which would get him enough for the transport. He could wander the streets and hope to find some quests that way. He pondered what he felt like doing. His second day here in Alpha World and he had plenty of options.

He chuckled as he considered a third option that might work. Shouldering his bag into a more comfortable place, he started walking back to the stockades, whistling as he went. As he whistled one of his favorite songs he thought this game could really use a music feature. Since there wasn�t any background music in each zone, maybe an interface for players to listen to downloadable music. Shrugging at the thought, he continued his song as he walked along watching the streets start to become busy as more people woke and left their homes.

A while later he arrived at the stockades, nodding to the guards as he passed through the main gates. Instead of walking to the main building, he headed towards the training building. Just as he reached the door a guard came bustling out, only to pause and stare at Alburet with a glower. �What do you want Summoner?�

Sighing as he realized it was the guard from the main gate Alburet replied, �I am going to see if Roberto will listen to a proposition I have.�

Scoffing, the guard shook his head, �The Head Trainer doesn�t have time for trash like you, so get going.�

Alburet eyed the guard for a moment before shaking his head, �I think Roberto should be the one to tell me that, Skippy. As it is, he seems to have taken a Liking to me, so why don�t you either go and ask him or get the fuck out of my way?� Alburet spoke calmly, his voice flat, which is why he was surprised when a notification popped up before his eyes.

The guard took a step back, his face going grim, �You threatening me?�

Letting out a deep sigh Alburet stepped back, raising his empty hands, �Nope, you just seem a bit thin skinned and biased.�

Another guard came out of the training room, pausing to take in the scene. �What is going on here?�

�I wanted to speak with Roberto and Skippy here told me to get lost,� Alburet said with a shrug.

The gate guard went a little red, �That isn�t right at all. I stopped this Summoner from entering the training building. He seems to think he has special permission for some reason.�

The second guard looked at Alburet closely, �Did you come here yesterday? Is your name Alburet?�

�Yes to both questions, sir,� Alburet replied, ignoring the first guard.

Sighing, the second guard nodded, �Move over Wilbur. Roberto talked with him yesterday, this is the guy who showed Roberto how to apply that new choke technique.�

Wilbur blinked as he shook his head, �Ridiculous, Summoners don�t fight hand to hand.�

�Look, why don�t we all just go talk to Roberto?� Alburet suggested. �If I�m, lying arrest me. If I�m right then just stop talking down at me Skippy.�

Wilbur growled back, �My name is Wilbur, not Skippy, dammit.�

Alburet couldn�t stop himself from responding, �Sure Skippy, sure. Just skip along out of the way so we can go talk to Roberto okay... Skippy?�

Wilbur stepped forward, his fists balled and his face red. Alburet promptly dropped his staff as he leaned back to avoid the first swing from Wilbur. As the arm went by, Alburet grinned as he latched onto it. He spun Wilbur around, his arms going up and latching onto Wilbur�s neck. �Why is it that the young never learn the simple lessons? Can you tell me that, Skippy?�

The second guard shook his head, �Release him Alburet, otherwise I shall have to call it attacking a guard and arrest you.�

Alburet sighed, holding the pressure for another second before removing his arms as Wilbur dropped to the ground bonelessly. �I would not wish that at all,� he said with a straight face as he stepped back from the unconscious guard. The door opened again and Roberto stepped out.

�Alburet? Why is Wilbur on the ground at your feet?� Roberto asked, one eyebrow raising.

�He swung at me and I stopped him from damaging himself. I had come to talk to you about a proposal and Wilbur there wouldn�t let me pass. This other guard came out and told Wilbur that I should be able to speak with you, but Wilbur again didn�t want to listen. After a bit of back and forth he swung and I dropped him with a simple choke.� Alburet said with a shrug, �Regrettable all things considered, but I�m not about to let myself be attacked for no reason.�

Roberto turned to the other guard, �Steven, what happened?�

�Sir, I came out and found Wilbur and Alburet talking. Alburet stated he wanted to see you and Wilbur called him Summoner scum, Sir. After Alburet suggested we all speak with you he called Wilbur by another name. Wilbur objected to being called Skippy and seemed to grow agitated, and when Alburet called him by that name again Wilbur swung at him. Alburet then promptly applied the choke hold you were telling me about when Wilbur missed his attack. I advised Alburet to release Wilbur or face charges, he did so just before you came out, Sir.� Steven replied in a matter of fact tone, standing at attention.

Roberto turned back to Alburet, sighing, �Why did you provoke him?�

�I didn�t. He was provoking me, sir. He has multiple times now called me scum and told me I belong in the gutter just due to my vocation. All I did was use the wrong name and he attacked me. All I was doing was coming to see if I could talk you into a mutually beneficial transaction, paying me to help train your men in the techniques I showed you yesterday.�

Roberto rubbed his head with one hand before replying, �That isn�t going to be possible right now. Look, Wilbur�s father is a lower noble in the city which means when he complains to daddy dearest we will be told to bring you in for assaulting a guard. I suggest you head out of town for a bit, maybe head east to raise your standing with the city by killing goblins.�

�That was why I wanted to make some coin helping train,� Alburet said. �I�m flat broke. I�ve got a handful of silver and copper to my name at the moment.�

Roberto frowned before pulling out two gold, �Call this advanced payment for later training and get going.�

Quest: Return later to help Roberto train the guard

Reward: Coin and reputation with the guard

Optional: Return the gold to cancel the quest

Warning: abandoning this quest will mark

you as a thief with the guards of Stormguard.

Alburet took the two coins, �I�ll be back after a day or two, then. Thank you sir,� Alburet snapped off a textbook salute before grabbing his staff and walking out of the stockade yard.

Roberto watched him go with a thoughtful face. Wilbur groaned as he woke up. Looking down, Roberto sighed, �Wilbur get up, you are to take the day off and think about why it might be inappropriate to make decisions for your superiors. Steven, make sure he heard that and takes the day off.� Steven saluted as Roberto went back into the training building.

Alburet walked for a bit, lost in thought wondering if he had just opened up a can of worms with Wilbur before shaking his head. He looked around to find a guard to get directions to the place he get could buy a portal to the stronghold near the goblin fort. He thanked the guard before walking that way with a slight spring to his step, thinking of a day of grinding mobs and making cash.

Halfway across the city is what it felt like when he finally came to an imposing tower that took up as much room as four normal buildings and rising high into the sky. Alburet chuckled at the classic wizard�s tower look before going in the front door, which stood wide open. Inside was a spacious waiting area with chairs and tables and a single desk near the back of the room in front of a double staircase. Behind the desk sat a stunning redhead who was smiling as he approached.

�Greetings, and welcome to the transport guild, sir. What can we do for you today?� she asked in a voice that rang with actual happiness and not just polite professionalism.

Chuckling, Alburet replied, �Glad to see someone enjoying their job. I wanted to inquire about getting out to the stronghold to the east so I can help thin down the goblin population.�

�That is a popular destination right now,� She said glancing down at a tome open before her. �It is a single gold per person but we do offer a discount if you are going as a group with others.�

Alburet looked back at the waiting area, which was empty, �Looks like it will be just me��

He cut off when another person came running over to the desk. �Hi, how much to take the portal to the eastern garrison?�

The redhead looked from Alburet to the new comer momentarily, �As I was just telling this gentleman, who was here before you, it is a single gold per person though we do offer a group discount depending on how many are going at once in a party.�

The newcomer looked over at Alburet and nodded, �You off to farm the gobs, too?�

�That was my idea, yes. Did you want to form a party to take advantage of the group rate?� Alburet asked curiously.

�Yeah, that would be awesome,� the bone thin man said, brushing the shock of long black hair back from his face. �Name is DrFrank, what�s yours?�

Alburet raised a brow at the name before replying, �Alburet.� He stressed the syllables for the new player to make sure it was clearly heard, Al-Burr-Et. �What class?�

�Oh, Necro. You?�

�Funny. I�m a Summoner. So do you guys get golems at higher levels?�

�Oh yeah, man. That�s our big minion after the skeletons and zombies,� Frank said, enthused.

The redhead coughed gently, �So, a group rate then?�

Alburet smiled, �Sounds like.� He stopped when a notification appeared before him, he read it and accepted noting the second portrait along with health and mana bars that appeared under his.

DrFrank wants to form a party.

�Let�s do this, man,� Frank said as he dug out a gold. �Here�s my half, babe,� he said, dropping it on the desk before the redhead.

Alburet sighed inwardly before he also dug out a gold and set it before the receptionist. �Here�s my portion as well, miss,� he said with an apologetic smile to her.

The redhead nodded, taking the coins and handing back 10 silver to each of them. �Have a seat and one of our men will be with you shortly.�

The duo walked over to the chairs and sat down and Frank was talking again. �You know your class is the weakest in the game, right?�

�I wouldn�t be so sure about that,� Alburet said. �My imp did okay for me earlier, just really need a tank pet.�

�We can keep the party together when we get there then, if you want. My skeletons can tank for us while we blast away at stuff.� Frank said, looking around like he was bored of waiting already.

�We can try it out and see if it works,� Alburet replied as a robed gentleman came over to them.

�Greetings. The portal is ready for you two, if you will follow me.� The robed man turned and began to walk off. Frank jumped to his feet and hurried after the NPC, stopping every few steps so as not to pass the man. Alburet just walked along behind, content with the pace.

�So annoying how they all walk,� Frank said as he stopped again. �I mean, who does that in a game, am I right?� He turned to see Alburet walking along at the same speed as the NPC.

�You�re absolutely right, no one walks in a game.� Alburet said with a bland smile, watching Frank�s brow furrow.

�No need to be a smart ass, man,� Frank said as he paused again, �it�s just asinine. I mean we can run for hours, so having to walk for the NPC�s is fucking stupid.�

Alburet couldn�t have disagreed more, but held his tongue as he didn�t want to start an argument. They were led up the stairs and to a room with a blue circle with runes inscribed around it that was glowing and pulsing as if in time to invisible music. �Here we are, gentlemen. Just step into the circle and it will whisk you to your destination,� the NPC said as he stepped out of the way.

Frank darted into the circle and vanished causing Alburet to sigh as he turned to the man. �Thanks for the service. I am more than happy with everything, unlike the young one who already left.� He held out a silver, �Please split that with the receptionist. She was most helpful.�

The portal mage chuckled, pocketing the coin, �We normally split any tips we receive sir, but I will let her know you specified. Safe journey and happy hunting to you.� He watched with a thoughtful expression as Alburet stepped into the portal before going back down to speak with the receptionist.

Alburet stepped into the glowing circle and felt himself lurch as if he had been shoved from behind while being yanked forward while the world went bright blue around him. When his vision cleared he was standing in the courtyard of a garrison. Frank was standing just to the side tapping his foot, �What took so long?�

Alburet grimaced as he focused on Frank�s portrait and wished the group disbanded. �Nothing,� Alburet said as the group dissolved, �I just am not in a hurry, so feel free to run along.�

�What the fuck ever, dude,� DrFrank said before running into the main building.

Alburet rubbed his temples for a second, thinking of all the twentish year old males he used to deal with on a regular basis. Shaking his head he looked around, spotting a merchant next to a cart along one wall as well as smith on the other wall. All around he could see soldiers walking around from point to point, some doing sword practice while others practiced with bows and crossbows. Figuring the quests were inside the keep, he went that way at the same walking pace he had before. As he walked he held out his hand palm down, �Come to me Bob the Mighty.�

In a puff of smoke Bob appeared and began to skip along behind him, �Are we going to be killing things again?�

�Once I get some quests we�ll be heading to a place full of goblins to kill,� Alburet informed the inquisitive imp.

�Oh, good,� Bob said chuckling darkly. �I do so love toasted goblin in the morning.�

Laughing Alburet looked back to see Bob wringing his hands, �That might be a little over the top.�

Bob paused, �Most of my previous masters liked that kind of thing.�

�Meh, just be yourself. I�m not a demanding sort.� Alburet replied as he nodded to the two guards flanking the door eyeing him and the imp warily. He stopped before one of them, �So I heard there are quests to kill goblins here, where do I go?�

�See the quartermaster and the senior Sergeant, each of them will give you quests,� the guard replied, eyeing him coolly.

�Thanks,� Alburet said, thinking the booklet for the class should have mentioned the negative view the guards all seemed to have towards Summoners.

Entering the keep, he followed the main hall until he came to the main room. There were people just hanging about chatting as well as two men at desks on opposite sides of the room from each other. Going over to the desk with no clustered around it, Alburet greeted the man with three stripes on his tunic. �Sergeant, I was told you would have a quest for me involving the goblins sir.� Alburet said, coming to parade rest before the desk.

The Sergeant looked up with an amused glance, �Fancy yourself a man of discipline, do you?�

�I once kept the company of such men sir, it is a hard habit to break,� Alburet replied with a smile as he dropped the parade rest stance. �They were good men and I was honored to serve with them.�

The Sergeant paused, looking from Alburet to Bob and back, �Must have been before you manifested Summoner powers then.�

�I�m an adventurer sir,� Alburet replied.

�Ah, one of the two-souled. That makes more sense. You are a bit unusual for a two-souled, you didn�t come running up and demanding a quest like the rest have.� As the words left the Sergeant�s mouth a person came running up to them.

�Hey dude, give me the quest for the goblins,� DrFrank said bluntly as he smirked at Alburet.

Alburet�s lips quirked as he bit back his laughter. The Sergeant nodded to Frank. �Right, I need five goblin heads to prove your valor,� the Sergeant said, only to see Frank run off a second later. �So sad, they just accept any quest at all.�

Alburet snorted, shaking his head, �Like recruits who think they own the world.�

With a deep belly laugh the Sergeant nodded, �Pretty close, yes. As for you, kill me any twenty goblins. For that I will give you coin, no need to bring back proof. For each extra goblin killed I will increase the reward. Also, they sometimes carry arm bands. The king has special bounties for those armbands so make sure to bring them back to the quartermaster across the room.�

Quest: Kill at least twenty goblins

Reward: 50 silver per twenty goblins killed, increased rep with all Stormguard reputations

Alburet snapped a salute, �Sir, yes sir.�

Chuckling, the Sergeant shook his head before returning the salute, �Dismissed, private.�

Alburet spun on his heel and walked across the room to another man in uniform. �Sir, I am here to ask about any quests you might have for me to undertake.�

The quartermaster looked up from his clipboard, �Huh, that was the most polite request I�ve heard all day. I want the goblin�s supplies captured. Bring back at least five caches and I will make sure you are rewarded. The more you capture the more I can give you in return. Also, the king has a standing bounty on the arm bands the goblins occasionally have. Bring me any you find and I will make sure the king�s orders are fulfilled.�

Quest: Capture at least five goblin supply caches

Rewards: Variable

Quest: Goblin armbands

Rewards: Depends on type and number of arm bands by King�s order

Alburet snapped a salute with a smile, �Glad to be of service sir. I shall return upon completing my objective.�

The quartermaster raised a brow before returning the salute, �Dismissed.�

Alburet turned sharply to his right and walked out of the room. Once clear Bob coughed, �You used to be with the guard?�

�Not them, but a type of guard yes,� Alburet said with a strained smile. �Let�s not talk about that, okay?�

Bob nodded, eyeing his Summoner with thoughtful eyes. �We are going off to kill things now, right?�

A dark chuckle escaped Alburet, �That is the plan, yes.�

They walked out the main gates to see grassy plains stretching out before them. Alburet could see the goblin fort in the distance. It looked like a standard fort to Alburet�s eyes from this distance as he took in the view. Between the two forts Alburet noticed a number of people and goblins engaged in combat. As he focused on different groups, he saw that all of the mobs were Goblin Scavengers. �Looks like we shall have competition, Bob,� Alburet said as he started walking.

�That�s okay we can range pull them. As long as you don�t pull too fast we should be able to keep a steady pace,� Bob said.

�As long as none of them are in chain and wielding two-handed swords,� Alburet said.

Bob chuckled, �I can save you again if that happens.�

�I recall me saving you a few times in there, too. In fact, I made sure you never got so much as wind burn from that sword.� Alburet replied with a grin.

�True, true and I am grateful for that. I�m thinking I might have exploded if I�d been hit.�

Alburet watched the action around him as they walked across the plains, casting Demon Skin on himself. �Looks like they come out of the fort and jog down to various spots in the field. We can�t keep up with the rate they leave the fort but we could probably snag a spot they go to.�

Bob pointed to one corner of the keep, �Right corner, looks like no one is bothering the goblin over there.�

Alburet looked over, nodding, �Sure enough. As much as I hate running, let�s kick it up.�

He began to run, with Bob doing his running skip to keep up. As they closed on their target Alburet realized he covered ground fast at a run as he went right by a few people soloing goblins. As they approached the one near the corner it turned to face them, showing a fang filled mouth. His target was a Goblin Scavenger, level 6 with 600/600 health. It wore ragged leather armor and carried a rusty sword. Alburet cast Demonic Retribution on himself as he closed the distance. �You�re on Bob. Keep a reserve for emergencies through, please.�

�Okay, master,� Bob said as the first Fire Blast hit the goblin in the chest even as it tried to dodge the flame.

Alburet pursed his lips as he slowed and advanced in a measured gait as the next Fire Blast hit the goblin, causing it to scream and go for Bob. Alburet noted it going a little wide to avoid him so he stepped in and swung with both hands at the extreme range of the staff. He missed as the goblin dove under the swing and scrambled to its feet only to take another Fire Blast, this time to the face. As it screamed at the third hit Alburet got between it and Bob, smashing his staff into the goblin�s head as it blinked its burnt eyes. Alburet smiled, his hit to the goblin�s head confirming critical spots doubled damage received.

He had to dance away from the wildly swinging goblin while it was disorientated from both attacks to its head. With a nod as he swung again, this time only hitting its shoulder as it tried to avoid the attack as it was still blinking its eyes. Alburet dodged as the goblin swung the rusty short sword at him, but wasn�t quick enough, feeling the attack slice into his side. He hissed at the pain. Alburet was really starting to hate having the sensors turned up to max, though he did like watching the spark of fire burst on its chest from his Demonic Retribution.

The next Fire Blast ramped Bob�s aggro to the top again, making the goblin turn to run at Bob. Alburet swung and missed, making him cuss as he turned to chase after the goblin. Bob ran in an arc trying to lead the goblin back towards Alburet. His next attack into the goblins legs wasn�t enough to overcome the aggro, so he chased after the duo. Bob cried out as the goblin chased him down and got a hit in before Alburet could catch up and land his own attack on the goblin�s back.

That was enough to pull the goblin around onto him, saving Bob from taking more damage. �Just fucking die already,� Alburet grunted as he parried the goblin�s attack before slamming his staff down onto the mob�s skull, firmly fixing the goblin�s attention on him. The rest of the fight went more easily as Bob held back for a bit, allowing Alburet to build aggro. A minute or so later the goblin keeled over dead, allowing Alburet to take a breath in relief.

�About time,� he panted before looking over at Bob, who had a nasty gash down his side. �You okay?�

Bob winced then smiled as the wound disappeared, �I am now, yes. Thanks for killing it.�

�Next time I need to remember I have a ranged attack spell now, too,� Alburet said while shaking his head. He touched the corpse which vanished, leaving a small bag laying on the ground. Touching the bag prompted a notification of 24 copper going into his money pouch. He quickly disabled the pop-up about coin looted, but left notifications of items on.

Bob laughed, �You forgot Fire Blast?�

�I just got it, so yeah. Still not used to the idea of having it. Next pull will be better. If I get two of those off first it shouldn�t chase you right away.� Alburet replied as he glanced over the field, watching others fighting. �Some of them seem to be having issues,� Alburet said, watching a golden haired elf in white robes run from a goblin. �Think we should step in?�

�To help a cleric of light?� Bob said with open skepticism.

Laughing, Alburet nodded, �You don�t have to if you would rather not in this one. Time to watch that thing, �Die in a Fire�.� He clenched his hand and opened it slowly as he stepped forward while speaking the words. The sphere of fire he summoned turned into a streak of fire as he cast it at the goblin chasing the elf. The goblin had its back turned so it didn�t know to dodge, allowing the Fire Blast to hit it in the head. Alburet chuckled as the 44 Damage registered on the goblin, �Over here, ugly.�

The goblin was fixated on the elf though. She dodged, taking a glancing blow before running towards Alburet. �Help, please,� she cried out as she ran at him.

Alburet nodded as he spoke the words again for another Fire Blast. Before he could cast his though, Bob launched one hitting the goblin in the chest. �She did ask nicely,� was Bob�s response to Alburet�s raised brow. Shaking his head, Alburet tossed his second Fire Blast, catching the goblin in the chest and frowned at only doing 18 damage. He sighed, noting the damaged leather the goblin was wearing.

The elf darted behind them as Alburet stepped forward and prepared to attack the goblin. �I�ll heal you,� the elf panted as she came to a stop behind Bob.

�Keep your light off of me,� Bob said without malice as he cast another Fire Blast.

Alburet grunted as his attack connected with the goblin�s knee and pulling its attention to himself. �I got it,� he said, �give me a second to get more aggro, Bob.�

Bob paused in his casting as he had been asked to do, watching his master get hit hard. �You should dodge more,� Bob said with a chuckle.

�Smart ass imp,� Alburet hissed as the cut really hurt him. �I should make you tank.�

�Squishy imp, remember? And it would lower my happiness, which is so close to the next level,� Bob laughed.

Alburet was about to reply but a second swing gashed him, leaving him breathless for a second. A white light encircled him gently and he sighed in relief as the pain vanished. �I love that.� Alburet laughed, landing another attack on the goblin�s chest, giving up on trying to do just head shots.

Bob just sniggered before he cast another Fire Blast, �Which part do you love, the pain or the healing?�

�He sure is a lippy little bastard isn�t he?� the elf said.

Laughing, Alburet parried the next attack, �Oh, yes. My fault though. I told him to be himself. Now I�m wondering if that was such a good idea.�

The next Fire Blast went wide, �Oops, I missed,� Bob chuckled, �Can�t aim if I�m nervous I guess.�

�Ha ha,� Alburet replied as he slammed his staff into the goblins chest and shoved it back a step, �If you miss again before this mob dies I think I shall invoke a five minute silence for you. Since you don�t need to say anything to cast your spells it shouldn�t affect your damage.�

The next blast caught the goblin square in the face, killing it, �Woohoo, no silence for me.� Bob did a little jig, laughing wildly.

The healer shook her head, �He�s a bit weird. The only other Summoner I�ve seen was bitching about his imp not helping as it should, though, so maybe this is an improvement. But gods, it must get annoying.�

Alburet touched the corpse which vanished, leaving a bag behind. Touching that, he blinked at the notification, �This one had supplies.�

LOOT:

1 Supply cache

�Oh! I still need three of those,� the healer said with a smile. �I�m Marysue, by the way.�

Alburet groaned at the name, �I�m Alburet. Really, you named your healer Marysue?�

She sighed, �It happens to be my real name as well. I always get that when I play online games, maybe it�s because I always play a healer.�

�Could be, considering a Marysue always wants to help others,� Alburet agreed. �It was your mob so I guess the supplies should go to you.� He stood up, turning away from the bag on the ground, �Why are you trying to solo out here anyway?�

�Wasn�t my intention,� she said, picking up the supplies. �My friend is late and I have no idea why.�

Alburet said sympathetically, �Want to group up then? We can split the supplies evenly while we do.�

�Sounds great. Trying to solo as a healer sucks unless it�s undead, then I can fuck them up royally,� Marysue grinned. �So, you are the de-facto tank since the imp doesn�t want me to heal him.�

Groaning, Alburet sighed then gave his best depressed robot voice, �Don�t talk to me about pain, I know pain.�

�I�m Bob,� Bob said, showing his many pointed teeth to Marysue. �Don�t mind him. He does surprisingly well as a sponge.�

Alburet was about to reply when he saw a goblin running towards them, �Next one is up.� He threw a Fire Blast as the goblin closed the distance, having just enough time for a second one before the goblin was in melee range. �Two shots in. Light him up, Bob,� Alburet called out as he parried the first attack from the goblin.

The next half an hour went smoothly for the most part. Alburet was all but reduced to tears a few times when he was hit in the head after failing to dodge, until Marysue healed him. She finished getting her five supplies while Alburet had just gotten his second and found they didn�t stack.

�The supplies don�t stack? What a farce,� Alburet said with a sigh.

�That�s why it�s only five for the minimum quest,� Marysue replied. �Most of us only have the default twenty slot bag still.�

Alburet chuckled, thinking of his hundred slot backpack. �Yeah, that can get interesting if you have other stuff in there already.� He looked into his dusty satchel which had no more room and sighed as realized that he�d forgotten to sell the crap from the prison. The extra set of ragged leather from a goblin and a rusty short sword had filled up the rest of the bag. �Anyway, if we could find an actual tank we could see about pushing into the fort.�

�Mary,� a deep voice boomed.

Alburet looked over to see the romance novel hero, complete with tight leather armor jogging towards them. The newcomer�s long blonde hair fluttered in the light breeze as he came towards them. Alburet noted the kite shield and sword the guy had in hand.

Marysue looked over, smiling, �Hey Gerald. Took you long enough. What happened to being here this morning?�

�Yeah, sorry about that,� Gerald said as he came to a stop next to them. �I forgot to set my alarm. Did I miss anything?� Gerald turned to Alburet while taking a half step towards Marysue in a slightly possessive way.

�I�m Alburet. I was helping her survive since you hadn�t turned up and she was being chased by the goblins.� Alburet said, sighing inwardly as he crossed Marysue off the possible fun times list. �Now that you�re here, we can think about heading into the keep and staking out a corner. A group that came out earlier said that the armbands drop inside.�

Gerald eyed him for a moment before smiling, �Well, thanks for helping her out. I�m up for going inside the walls, as a Defender I can tank with the best of them as long as Mary backs me up.�

Mary blushed slightly, �Oh stop. You�re a much better tank than I am a healer. Let me toss you an invite, and if we can get another two DPS we can even try the dungeon once we hit level eight.�

Alburet perked up, �A dungeon? There�s a dungeon here?�

Laughing, Gerald nodded, �You must not have done much in the beta. Goblin Fort is the name of the area as well as the name of the dungeon. The entrance is the main doors of the main keep building. In fact, since me and Mary are level seven already we should just grab two more DPS now and grind the interior walls until we can step into the dungeon.�

�I�m close to seven, but not there yet,� Alburet added, �I like the idea though. Let�s do it.�

Mary turned to the field and raised her voice, �Need two DPS to level to eight and try the dungeon.�

The ten closest people who weren�t actively engaged in a fight came running over shouting that they wanted in. Mary took a step back, holding up her hands as they bore down on her. Gerald stepped into the way speaking up, �Calm the fuck down, damn it, or none of you will go.� That brought the players up short but they still tried to talk over each other.

�Yo, one at a time. Our healer has final say,� Alburet said, using his command voice which shut the people up. �Better. Let�s start with you,� he tapped the player nearest him.

Each player introduced themselves, stating their class and level as Alburet pointed to each. Once they had run through the ten people who wanted to go, Mary took the level eight Elementalist Dwarven male, Rocksure. She also took the level seven female Lunari Berserker, Fluffball as the fifth party member to round them out. �Sorry folks, that fills us, but we might run it multiple times. If we do I�ll cycle different people in for the quests, okay?� Five players had already left, in various degrees of huff as soon as she�d chosen the initial party members. The three players left readily agreed to be on standby for their chance.

Mary laid out the ground rules for the group, �All loot is round robin. I do suggest if it is an upgrade for one of us that we hand whatever it is off to the one who can use it most. Once we hit the dungeon, remember boss loot is based on group composition and we should each get a drop from the end boss. If the other bosses drop stuff we�ll go with need before greed with a random roll to see who wins either of those categories. Any objections?�

Alburet took in the info silently but smiled when no one objected to the loot distribution. �So, we ready to rock and roll? Oh, Gerald, before we pull let me hit you with my five minute buff.�

Gerald nodded, �Okay, let�s head over to the gate.�

Fluffball fell in beside Alburet with a shy smile, �You know you�re playing the weakest class, right?�

Rolling his eyes, Alburet looked over at the tiger stripped Lunari, �I�ve heard that. I didn�t want to put up with the smell of rotting flesh like like the necro, but wanted to be a pet class so here I am.�

�Rotting flesh smell? You playing full immersion?� Fluffball asked with wide eyes, �Doesn�t that hurt?�

Laughing darkly, Alburet nodded, �Oh yeah, which makes me so happy we have a tank now. Even with the magic healing it still hurt like hell when I got cut.�

�You a masochist then?� Fluffball asked, glancing at him sideways.

�Normally closer to the opposite of that,� Alburet chuckled. �Let�s just say that I play fully immersed for a reason I can�t disclose.�

�Interesting,� Fluffball said as she licked a hand and smoothed out her fur next to her ear like she was grooming.

Alburet snorted, turning his head away, �Fricking cat.�

�Hey, no making fun of me grooming if you play with full pain enabled while tanking mobs. After all, I�m just role playing,� Fluffball said, her skin under the fur tinging red.

�Lunari can blush?� Bob spoke up for the first time since the group had filled.

�Holy shit, your imp talks?� Fluffball exclaimed, looking back at the imp.

�Better than he does at times,� Bob laughed.

�He is a right pain in the ass is what he is, but he helps,� Alburet replied.

�Helps? Who has killed more mobs since we joined up? Me, that�s who,� Bob replied, strutting slightly.

Rocksure glanced back, �Dude, you let that thing talk to you like that? The other Summoner I know has his muzzled, he got tired of it talking back.�

�I bet that imp doesn�t rock like I do, then,� Bob said, smirking.

�Whatever. Summoners suck anyway,� Rocksure sneered as they approached the gates.

�One incoming,� Gerald said, spying a Goblin Scavenger exiting the gates and heading for them.

Alburet stepped up, casting Retribution onto Gerald by slapping his back to finish the spell. �You�re good to go,� Alburet said, prepping his Fire Blast.

The fight was over in seconds, with Alburet and the others being able to focus on doing damage. Gerald sighed, �So weak. Let�s get in there.�

The group hurried through the gate and hugged a wall once they were inside. Alburet caught sight of over thirty goblins, all running around the interior along with two other full groups of players in the back corners, pulling steadily. They came to a stop in one of the front corners and Gerald nodded to them, �Alburet, your spells are the weakest so just pull them in one at a time to start with.�

Sighing inwardly at again being called weak or useless, he nodded. �Bob, don�t cast until Gerald has it, but after that feel free to go to town.�

�You got it, master,� Bob said rubbing his hands together and bouncing a little in anticipation. As he did a pop-up appeared before Alburet, who glanced at it with a smile before closing it and going to pull the first mob.

Constantly allowing your imp to follow his heart has raised his happiness.

Bob�s Happiness has reached Content.

Your Minion receives a 25% boost to stats and damage.

�Okay, game on,� Alburet called out, targeting the closest goblin. The Goblin Shieldbearer level eight, 700/700 health was wearing studded leather of bad quality and carried a tower shield and a spear. Alburet clenched his fist and opened it. �Die in a fire,� he called out threw the Fire Blast past Gerald, smacking the goblin in the side.

�Wait, what? That can't be the standard casting for that spell,� Rocksure said as he waited for Gerald to gain aggro.

Alburet chuckled, �It wasn't, but it is now. One of my first abilities was Personal Spell, which let me change the motions or verbal components of my spells.�

�You took that over the other choice?� Rocksure said shaking his head, �Dude, you got to be a newb.�

Alburet didn't respond to Rocksure, but began to shape his next Fire Blast as Gerald had already hit the goblin twice. �Alright Bob, let's do this.� Twin Fire Blasts hit the goblin in the side as Gerald was slowly spinning the mob so its back would be to the group.

As the blasts hit, Rocksure hit it with some kind of ice spell which seemed to slow it and did minimal damage. Fluffball leapt in with her sword, hacking at the mob and taking a chunk off its life. Her fur glowed with a faint red aura as she triggered her combat ability.

The fight went smoothly, with Marysue easily able to keep up with the damage the goblin did to Gerald. Gerald was laughing as he fought, clearly he didn�t have his pain sensors turned up past nerf bat levels. Fluffball seemed to enjoy herself as well as she savagely sliced into the back of the goblin. Rocksure had used an electric spell of some sort as his main damage spell.

The first mob dropped some copper which was automatically split evenly across the group as well as a small bag. Mary nodded, �We shall go in alphabetical order for loot. Take your turn, Alburet.�

Alburet touched the bag and got a blue arm band with a shield icon on it. �Arm band.�

�It have a shield on it?� Gerald asked to which Alburet nodded. �So they kept it the same from beta,� Gerald smirked. �They have a 25% drop rate off the goblins in here and a 50% chance inside the dungeon. We�re all ready to go puller. Keep an eye on Mary's mana. If it's above 50% just pull the next one when we get the one we�re fighting to 100 health.�

Nodding, Alburet picked out the next closest goblin and began to shape his spell. He found the Goblin Swordsman level eight, 650/650 health also in the same leathers as the last one, but carrying a rusty sword. �Die in a fire,� he called out, sending the spell flying into his target.

�So stupid,� Rocksure said sadly, shaking his head. �Wasn't the other choice a flat damage increase?�

�Yeah, but it would only have affected...� Alburet cut off, stepping behind Gerald and casting Retribution on him. �My weak damage reflect and my Fire Blast.�

Rocksure shook his head, �DPS is DPS. What you took isn't even a utility ability, just a cosmetic one.�

�Enough of the criticism,� Marysue said, �just do your jobs.�

The group fell into a rhythm for an hour, pulling and killing mobs with little difficulty. Alburet hit level seven, gaining a new spell while Fluffball, Marysue and Gerald all reached level eight. Dropping all his points into Intelligence this time, he checked his new spell.

Sap Strength: Mana cost: 50. Duration: 1 minute. Removes 10 strength from the target. Point your finger at the target and say the words, 'Sap Strength'. (You may modify this spell due to an ability.) Alburet tapped the area and changed the words to just 'Weaken', accepting the change.

Nodding he looked at the others who were all looking at him, �Sorry, was checking my new spell. I'm ready to go now.�

�We were thinking of going into the dungeon now, actually,� Gerald said. �It�ll be harder for you, but the rest of us are at the normal level now.�

�Are the mobs level eight inside?�

�No,� Gerald replied, �level ten, but we can take them.�

�Why don't we grind a touch longer? If you hit nine and I hit eight it�ll be even easier inside,� Alburet said.

�Some of us only got a little over an hour left and we want to hit the place is why,� Rocksure said. �We can do it with the tank and healer we have. If we dropped you and got a real DPS it would be cake.�

Biting back his reply, Alburet turned to Marysue, �It's your group. If you want go in, we go in.�

Mary smiled, �Thanks Alburet, but Gerald is really the one in charge. I made him the leader during the last fight.�

�We�re going in,� Gerald said with a smile. �We just have two goblins between us to get to the main doors. I�ll pull them both over to the wall next to the portal. Once we drop them, we step inside.�

Alburet renewed Retribution on Gerald, �Lead on, McDuff.� Gerald began to trot across the courtyard to grab the two mobs between them and the portal.

�Wrong quote, actually,� Fluffball said.

�Yeah, but most don't know the real quote,� Alburet chuckled. �Lay on, McDuff, and damned be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'�

Fluffball pursed her lips, �Thank you, I hate it when people misquote good lines.�

Alburet chuckled as they reached the wall, �Alas, poor Yorick! I knew, Horatio, A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My Gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips...�

�Enough, get into the fight,� Gerald called out cutting off the line. �Recite Hamlet later. We have mobs to kill.�

�Fair enough,� Alburet smirked as he slammed his staff into a goblin's head. �I shall not quote any more full lines while combat is ongoing.�

Fluffball growled as she leapt into the fray, glowing her usual red from the Berserker buff. �I enjoyed it, not many can actually get the lines right from any of Shakespeare's plays.�

Mary giggled, �So if he did the garden scene of Romeo and Juliet to you...�

Fluff missed her next attack as she spun towards Mary blinking, �What?�

�Enough,� Gerald roared, �We are fighting here.�

Rocksure sighed, �This is all the Summoner�s fault. If we kick him for a real DPS, all of these issues go away.�

�No,� Marysue replied firmly, �he was very helpful to me and he is holding his own. As long as he does as Gerald asks, he will stay.�

The fight ended a few moments later and the loot was collected. �There�s a safe spot just inside the entrance. You�ll also get the quest for the dungeon when you step in, make sure to accept it.� Gerald entered the white swirling mist that denoted the dungeon entrance. He was swiftly followed by Marysue and Rocksure.

Alburet winked at Fluffball, �But, Soft! What light through yonder window breaks?� Fluffball went a deep red through her fur before she darted into the portal, cutting him off. Alburet shrugged, �Guess not.�

�Struck out trying to catch some tail,� Bob cackled.

�Oh, you so funny,� Alburet sighed, �come on before they wonder what happened to me.� He stepped into the portal following the others.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 7

Strength: 5

Agility: 12

Constitution: 20

Intelligence: 25

Wisdom: 27

Charisma: 20

Health: 550

Mana: 620

Spells:

Demon Skin-Rank 2

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Sap Strength

Abilities:

Personal Spells

Goblin Fort

Alburet blinked, his vision refocusing to the dimmer light inside the fort. The interior was a hallway with lanterns providing illumination. Behind him stood the doorway out, visible through the white swirling mist that was the portal. He accepted the quest that popped up via notification when he entered.

Quest: Kill the Commander

Reward: Increased rep with all Stormguard factions

Bonus: Kill the two optional bosses and receive random bonus loot from Quartermaster.

�Good, we�re all here,� Gerald said, �okay, the layout here is quick and easy. There are three bosses total, two of them optional. The Jailer in the basement prison area isn't all that bad. This level has the Captain of the Guard, he summons adds throughout the fight and can be a little tricky. The real boss is on the second floor. Named Guglug, he�s the Commander of the fort. Guglug summons adds like the Captain, so when we do that fight you will get an idea of how the Commander works. He�ll also throw poison clouds around the room which means you need to be on your toes.�

�We have patrols and trash packs to kill first,� Marysue reminded him.

�Right,� he nodded at Mary, �the packs mostly come in shield, melee and caster trios. I will grab all of them. Kill the caster first, then the melee and finally the shield user. Any questions?� No one spoke so Gerald nodded, �Right. Alburet, give me your buff and then go to the end of the hall and tag the caster, then back around the corner behind me. We�re going to 'line of sight' pull as many as we can to make things easier to handle. Once I hit the caster you can all jump in on it. Leave the others alone in the meantime, I�ll have to work to keep them from aggroing on Mary as it is.�

Alburet cast Retribution on Gerald before walking down to the corner with the others behind him. He glanced around the corner, spotting the first group standing and talking in the hallway. He conjured his first Fire Blast before stepping out and hitting the caster right in the head like he was throwing a baseball. As soon as the spell hit the caster, the other two goblins ran at him and the caster started to conjure something of its own.

Alburet ducked back around the corner before the spell was done, ducking behind Gerald who was waiting. �Let the games commence,� Alburet said as he got another Fire Blast prepared. �Follow the leader, Bob.� Bob shook his head while he prepared his own Fire Blast, staying silent for once.

As the two goblins turned the corner Gerald shield bashed the sword goblin, stunning it for a second as he slashed at the Shieldbearer, scoring a hit. Both of them stopped focusing on Alburet and turned on Gerald instead.

Gerald did his best to mitigate the damage as he struck twice more with his sword. One hit the melee goblin, but the other bounced off the shield of the Shieldbearer. Just then the caster goblin turned the corner and everyone tensed, waiting for Gerald.

The Goblin Elementalist was level ten, but only had 558/600 health and 650/700 mana, it also carried a flaming ball in its hand. It tossed the fire onto Alburet, who yelled in agony as the fire burned him before Gerald could hit the goblin in turn. The others attacked the goblin caster with fury, easily cutting it down, allowing it to cast only one more spell with Gerald as the target.

The group turned its attention to the melee goblin and dispatched it easily as well, leaving the Shieldbearer for last. Alburet pursed his lips and hit it with Sap Strength as a test. The goblin looked stunned as the tower shield slipped from its arm and clattered onto the ground. Everyone else paused for a second as well, surprised by that turn of events. Everyone came back to their senses as Bob laughed and hit the mob in the face with a fire blast.

�Well done Master, stripping its strength made it unable to use the heavy shield,� Bob cackled as the group resumed the attack.

After the mobs were dead and looted, Gerald turned to Alburet. �Why didn't you do that on the pull?�

�I didn't know it would work,� he replied. �I was hoping it would drop the spear, I didn't think shields had strength requirements.�

�Yeah, my kite shield is right at the edge of my strength right now. It takes forty strength to use a weak tower shield. So I guess we know it has less than that once you weaken it. Next time we pull start with that on the Shieldbearer instead of hitting the caster. You seemed to feel that fire bolt he hit you with.�

�Yes, it was not fun. Playing full immersion sometimes is a right pain,� Alburet admitted. �Thankfully, when Marysue heals me the pain vanishes. We good for the next group?�

Gerald frowned at him but nodded, �Yeah. We go down the hall to the next corner and repeat the last pull.�

Once everyone was set Alburet looked around the corner to find another group of the same kinds of goblins waiting there. He buffed Gerald with Retribution then turned the corner and cast Sap Strength on the Shieldbearer. The Shieldbearer dropped its shield and kept trying to pick it up as the melee ran towards him and the caster began a spell.

Ducking back behind Gerald, Alburet advised them, �Caster is trying to cast and the Shieldbearer is trying to pick his shield up, it should take a minute.�

Gerald grunted and slashed the melee goblin as it came around the corner. �Okay, we�ll have a minute or so to kill the caster.� As he finished talking the caster came around the corner and he cut it. �All on the caster.�

The caster was down and the melee almost down when the Shieldbearer came around the corner. It slammed its shield into Alburet before anyone knew it had made it to them, stunning him for two seconds.

Gerald switched over to the Shieldbearer and used his taunt to get aggro. �Finish the melee first,� he said as he began to build more aggro on the defending goblin.

Once the stun wore off, Alburet cast Sap Strength onto the Shieldbearer, again stripping it of the protection it wanted and allowing the others to cut it down easily. �This looks like it�s working out good, but I think I'll stand further back next time.� Alburet chuckled as Marysue�s healing took away the pain from his bruised face.

�Well, looks like you might be useful for something after all,� Rocksure said with contempt. �Get your loot so we can move.�

�Is your mom yelling at you about the time, Rock?� Alburet asked blandly as he picked up his fifth Goblin Supply, finishing that quest for him as well as another Defender armband.

�Fuck you dude, just cuz I slept with your mom last night,� Rocksure said bristling.

�So you�re a necrophiliac? Guess you�re playing the wrong class then, eh?� Alburet rejoined quickly, smiling broadly, knowing he was lying about his mother being dead but wanting to needle the fucker.

�Knock it the fuck off, both of you,� Gerald said firmly. �The next one to snipe at the other will be removed from the group.�

Alburet held back the automatic 'yes mom' reply that tried to get out. He nodded, �We going to keep clearing the patrols before we tackle any of the bosses?�

�Yes. We�ll clear this floor before meeting the Captain in his room. It won't matter for the adds, but that's the way I want it in case we die during the fight.� Gerald said as he motioned Alburet on, �After you, puller.�

Alburet dipped a shallow bow, �Why thank you, sir.� He started walking to find the next patrol or group.

The next few pulls were repeats of the last one, except that Alburet didn�t get damaged when the Shieldbearer finally showed up since he stayed further back after pulling. After they completed a circuit of the ground floor they walked back to the door that had a plaque notifying them it was the Captain's Room.

�Okay, remember, he will call adds,� Gerald said. �I�ll pick them up as best I can. Once I have them, burn the adds down first. He calls them at 75%, 50%, and 25% life and goes into a frenzy at 10% life which is where you need to go all out. Any questions?�

When no one had any Gerald held out a fist, �No one else has cleared this place yet, so let's do it.� The rest of them bumped fists together before Gerald opened the door. Just before he walked in Alburet hit him with Retribution, getting a nod of thanks from Gerald.

The room was large, maybe fifty feet square with shelves holding various knickknacks along the walls. The center of the room held a massive Oak desk behind which sat a goblin easily half again as big as the ones they had been facing already.

�Who dares interrupt my paperwork?� The Goblin Captain roared as he got to his feet grabbing his two-handed sword from next to the desk.

Alburet targeted it and took in the information, Captain of the Guard level 11, 1500/1500 health. Alburet noted the rusty steel cap on the goblin�s head as well as the rusty chain shirt and leather pants. Pursing his lips, Alburet put his back to a wall and slid along it waiting for Gerald to grab aggro.

�The King of Stormguard sends his greetings,� Gerald replied with a dark smile.

The Captain bellowed and came around the desk to be met by Gerald's upraised shield. The three DPS waited impatiently as Gerald landed his first attack. Alburet caught Bob's eyes and pointed to the goblin�s legs, getting a nod in return.

As the Gerald�s third blow landed he shouted, �Got him, let's do this.�

As Gerald spoke Fluffball launched herself across the room to close the distance as Rocksure, Alburet and Bob all hit the Captain with spells. Bob and Alburet hit the legs of the Captain, getting a little more damage as the armor value was lower there.

Rocksure's spell hit the goblin in the head and he frowned, �Fucking helm is negating a chunk of my damage.�

�Go for the legs,� Alburet said as his next spell again hit the Captain's legs. �Armor cuts that amount off the damage, but only part its value for spells. Leather has a lower value than rusty steel.�

�I know that,� Rocksure yelled back in irritation, as he did but had forgotten and gotten used to all the other goblins that hadn't been wearing helms.

At 75% life the Captain roared loudly and a trio of adds came through the door. Mary, who was in the back of the room, made sure to tell them all. Alburet targeted the Shieldbearer and cast Sap Strength on it, making it drop the shield. It stopped for a second, trying to pick the shield up, before forgetting it and trying to cross the room to Mary, who had healing aggro.

Gerald hit the melee as it tried to go by, getting its attention, before turning to the now shieldless Shieldbearer and repeating the process. The caster, though, stood just inside the door and threw fire at Mary making her call out for help.

�Bob, focus the caster, I'm going in.� Alburet said as he rushed to the caster, throwing Retribution on himself. �I'll tank the caster if Rock can kill it,� Alburet said as he slammed his staff into the caster's face as it had been ignoring him.

�That wasn't the plan,� Gerald grunted as he tried to stop the three attacking him.

�You can't turn your back to them,� Alburet said as he blocked a swing of the caster�s dagger. �So we adapt and deal with this.�

Rocksure ignored Alburet and focused on the melee goblin with Fluffball, acting as if he hadn't heard any of what Alburet had said.

Alburet growled as he slowly whittled the caster down, focusing on taking as little damage as possible. As the caster dropped, he turned to see the spear wielder going down. �All adds down,� he called out, stepping back over next to Bob.

He was hurt, but not too much still at 480/550 health. He wished he regained health in combat like he did mana. As he watched, Rocksure smirked at him before going back to focusing on the boss.

�Alright, next time we handle the adds the same way,� Gerald said as his health was being replenished by Mary. He had taken a beating from the two adds as well as the boss.

�Sure thing,� Alburet replied as he went back to casting, speaking between Fire Blasts. �I can solo the caster again.�

�I am going to need to get mana back between the second and third adds, master,� Bob said.

�Do what you have to, Bob,� Alburet replied as his mana had topped back up during the melee fight with the caster.

The second add pack was the same as the first and dispatched the same way, though Alburet wound up at 400/550 health by the time he was done as he missed a few parry attempts. �Adds down,� he called out as his dropped.

�Regaining mana,� Bob said as he sat down and pulled out an emery board.

�What the fuck? Really, an emery board?� Alburet said, glancing down at the imp who grinned up at him and winked.

�Naw, just fucking with you,� Bob got back to his feet and leaned against the wall. �It was funny as hell though, to see that expression.�

�Gods, you are annoying as shit sometimes Bob,� Alburet said as he threw his next Fire Blast onto the Captain.

�Cut the banter with the imp,� Gerald called out. �No point to having useless conversations during a boss fight.�

Alburet rolled his eyes and saw Bob flip Gerald off while sticking his tongue out. Chuckling, Alburet tossed his next Fire Blast as Bob looked up at him, winking.

When the last set of adds rolled in, things got interesting. This time it was three casters, who all threw fire onto Mary.

�HELP!� Mary cried out.

Gerald turned and got tossed into a wall by the boss as his attention deviated too much. �Get them,� he wheezed as he got back to his feet.

Alburet had already crossed to the casters and thumped each of them, now having all the aggro for himself. He backed up a step as two of them began to cast while he parried the dagger strike of the one closest to him.

Fluffball came across the room in a leaping bound, sinking her weapon into the middle goblin with a growl. �Got this one,� she said as she began to hack at it like a woman possessed.

�Fine, I'll get the other one,� Rocksure said throwing a bolt of lightning at it. That wasn't enough to pull the aggro so it threw its fire bolt onto Alburet, who winced, which also got him stabbed by the dagger.

�Bob?�

�I'm on it,� the imp said, throwing Fire Blasts at the one Rocksure was attacking.

The trio of casters died, leaving all the DPS injured, with Alburet being the worst off at 300/550 health. �All adds down,� Alburet called out.

�Okay, get ready for the burn phase,� Gerald called out as the boss was down to 18% by the time the DPS went back to attacking it. �When it frenzies it will do double the damage twice as fast, so Mary might not be able to keep me up.�

�I'm running low on mana,� Mary said. �I think you�ll drop, so do not run out of the room guys. Do your best to kill it if Gerald drops, otherwise it resets and we have to do it all over again.�

Alburet nodded, throwing another Fire Blast and waited as he was going to hit the boss with Sap Strength as soon as it Frenzied. At 10% the boss began to flash red and foam at the mouth and it started swinging faster. Alburet hit it with his spell and hoped that would help before going back to Fire Blast.

At 5% Gerald went down as Mary called that she was out of mana. She rushed in with her staff as the boss turned on Fluffball. As the boss did that, Rocksure edged towards the door while he cast his spells.

�Bob,� Alburet said as he tilted his head towards the door. �Make sure he doesn't.�

Bob nodded but kept casting his own spells as Fluffball was cut down. Mary was dropped with one shot right after that. Rocksure ran for the door, but Bob got there and stood in the door all two foot of him just enough to stop Rocksure from getting by easily.

�Move, you fucking imp,� Rocksure said grabbing at Bob, who darted away just as the two handed sword hit Rocksure. �Fuck you, Alburet,� Rocksure said flipping him off as the next swing killed him, leaving just Bob and Alburet in the room with the boss at 1% health.

�Bob, kill him,� Alburet said as he backed away from the Captain who ran at him with sword raised high. As the goblin got into range Alburet rolled in and under the leading arm, feeling the wind from the swing go over his back.

�I think I can take one hit, maybe two,� Alburet said as Bob kept casting. He grunted as he was hit before he could get to his feet, knocking him flat. �Fuck,� Alburet said as the sword came down and took off most of the rest of his hit points, leaving him at 10/550.

He clenched up waiting for the final stroke, but heard a loud thud behind him. Looking back, he found the Captain dead and Bob smirking. �Who kills all the mobs?� He jerked both thumbs into his small chest, �This imp, that's who.�

Rolling over, Alburet groaned from the intense pain that washed through him. He breathed a sigh of relief as he started regaining health once he was out of combat. He was just getting to his feet when Gerald, Marysue and Fluffball came back into the room.

�Where is Rocksure?� Alburet asked.

�Kicked,� Gerald said bluntly, �he was told not to run for the door and still tried, which meant you wouldn't have been able to kill the boss like you did. Thanks for standing your ground,� Gerald said patting his shoulder. �Let's see about the loot then I have to step out and see about getting a new DPS.�

Touching the bag Gerald nodded, �Nice, a ring with Strength and Constitution, +1 to each. Captain's Band is the name of it. I need it. Fluff?�

�I would like to need it, too,� Fluffball said, �my main stat is strength after all.�

�Okay. Use the random roll function in your UI,� Marysue said.

Alburet watched as they both knelt and each rolled a die across the floor. A bright red 48 appeared above Fluffball while an 82 appeared above Gerald. �Looks like I win,� Gerald said as he took the ring and put it on.

�Damn,� Fluffball said shaking her head, �congratulations on winning.�

�Grats,� Marysue and Alburet said in near unison.

�Okay, five minute break. I'll be back with another DPS,� Gerald said as he headed for the front door.

Alburet walked over to the desk and sat down in the chair with a sigh. �Five minute power nap sounds awesome.�

Fluffball came over to the desk taking a seat on the edge of it, �I'm curious about something?�

Alburet nodded to her, �Hmm?�

�You look like a thug with the scar and short cropped hair but you know Shakespeare so well. Which one of them is the real you?� Her voice was a tad uncertain as she asked the question.

�Both, actually. I worked in law enforcement for years which is why the hair and scar, both match my real self. I thinned down the body a little, being in my thirties in real life, I've got a paunch, but who doesn't really? As for the Bard, I loved his plays when I was younger. The basic morality they talk about always drew me in.�

�Worked? You retired or something?� Fluffball asked.

�I am currently living off the government,� Alburet replied with a blank face. �Then again, all police live off the government I guess, technically, as do people with pensions from federal, state or county governments.� He chuckled and smiled at her, �What about you, why the Lunari race?�

Fluffball blushed slightly, �It deters quite a lot of men from hitting on me in game. I would probably have played as a man if I could have just to stop it, but sadly Mindblown hasn't changed their policy on that yet.�

�So, do you identify as male or just hate it when guys ogle you?�

�The second. Last game I played I had a stalker following me around in game. He was trying to find out my real address as well. Scared the hell out of me.� She gave a small shudder when she said the last few words.

�I must be okay then if you�re chatting at me like this,� Alburet chuckled.

Fluffball groomed her ear again watching him closely for any signs of disgust and not seeing any. �No, I think you might be okay. If you were a cop at some point I'm sure you won't be turning into a stalker or anything like that. Honestly, you just seem safe, like a vibe you give off of safety and security.�

Alburet let out a small laugh, �I'm sure the fact that if you nut punch me here I will fold like a cheap suit also helps.�

�Now that you mention it, that does help,� she giggled. �So why can't you say, you know about the immersion?�

Wagging a finger back and forth Alburet shook his head, �I can't say. I can't hint at, give clues, or anything like that. I would love to be able to, but my hands are tied.�

�Fine,� Fluffball said with a long sigh mingling with the words. �How long you going to be around for after we clear?�

One eyebrow raised, �That depends, did you have something in mind?�

Fluffball blinked then stood up abruptly, �I was just thinking of killing more goblins was all. You know, outside the dungeon, that's what I was asking about.� Her words came fast, tumbling over each other as she spoke.

Alburet raised both hands palms towards her, �Woah, hold up there speedy, it's okay. I'm sure that is what you meant. I was just checking was all. I will be more than happy to kick it around with you outside the dungeon and slaughter goblins. You get to tank though, as I don't want to be curled into a fetal ball half the time.�

Laughing, she nodded, �Deal.�

�You two seem to get along,� Mary said, causing both of them to blink as they looked at her, as they�d both forgotten she was there. �It's nice to see that, instead of people like Rocksure who always bitching and complaining about others.�

�Thanks,� Alburet said, �by the way, take this. You can use it when we get to the end boss.� He handed the small mana potion to her. �I don't think I'll get much use out of it and one more heal from you could make the difference.�

Marysue smiled broadly, �Wow, thanks! These are hard to get at our level. What quest did you get it from?�

�Found it in a chest, actually,� Alburet said. �It also had a health potion with it but I used that long before I met you.�

�I'm going to have to find another weapon soon,� Fluffball said after a moment of silence. �Mine is fading. It should last until we finish, unless we die again.�

Alburet pulled the rusty pitted great sword from his bag and set it on the desk, �Want to use this until it breaks for trash clearing, then?�

Fluffball looked at it, frowning, then picked it up, �If you don't mind. I can use it, it's a small DPS decrease but it will keep my weapon going longer that way.�

�Can you wear chain?�

�Yeah, why?�

Alburet looked at her leather, �Does that have better than 14 armor?�

�Fifteen,� Fluffball answered in her full leather outfit.

Placing the chain shirt on the table Alburet nodded to it. �Fourteen armor for chest, if you want to try out some chain for a bit, one armor difference won't hurt. Also, it's trash basically, barely worth a handful of copper.�

Fluffball eyed him for a minute then picked it up slowly before she stepped out into the hall. When she came back in she was wearing the rusty chain shirt. Alburet chuckled, the game didn't go stupid with female armor but it still snug chain at least.

�Not as form fitting as the leather, but it does show more of your fur,� Alburet said. �Looks good to me.�

Fluffball smiled, �Just glad I have fur, otherwise my abs would be showing though the links.�

�Yeah, but you make stripes look good,� Alburet complimented her.

Bob gagged behind Alburet, �Lame.�

Fluffball giggled as she blushed lightly, �The imp is right, that was a bit lame.�

�It's been awhile since I�ve really talked to a woman,� Alburet said defensively.

�Oh?� Mary asked her brow raised.

Shaking his head, Alburet covered his head and placed it on the desk. �I yield, have mercy oh mighty healer.�

The two women broke into laughter and Bob cackled as Gerald came back into the room with DrFrank followed by a skeleton. �Okay, we have another DPS. Let's head on into the cells below and take out the jailer.�

�Heya Frankster, good to see you again,� Alburet said as he stood up stretching.

DrFrank looked at Alburet and sighed, �Great, the fucking noob is still here. When you said you lost one I thought it was going to be him.�

Alburet shook his head, �That's how the last one started and then he was removed from the group. Food for thought and all that. Which way, Gerald?�

Gerald led them off with DrFrank looking thoughtful as they went to the set of stairs they had passed previously. �Okay, there�s a room at the bottom with a pack of mobs. Pull them up to us, Al,� Gerald said, stepping back.

�Alburet please, not Al. I don't go shortening you name Ger. But first a buff for you and refreshing my Demon Skin.� Alburet cast the two buffs before going to pull. Walking down the stairs, he crouched so he could get a look at the group of four mobs. Two Goblin Swordsmen along with two Goblin Shieldbearers standing in the middle of a room which had three doors leading off of it. Targeting one of the Shieldbearers, Alburet pointed his finger, �Weaken.� As he cast the spell he turned and bolted back up the stairs and behind Gerald. �Two swords incoming, along with one shield, the other one is still trying to pick his shield up.�

�Got it. Focus the swordsmen first,� Gerald said, bracing for the rush. The DPS held back as the trio of mobs appeared. Once Gerald had hit one of the sword users twice they unloaded on it. Fluffball seemed like a woman possessed as she hacked into the target with the two-handed sword. Frank tossed black balls of magic after he told his skeleton to attack.

Alburet chipped in a second later, smirking over the fact he didn't have to command Bob. �See that Bob? You�re smarter than a skeleton.�

�Too bad you are on the same level as the skeleton,� Bob snickered back.

DrFrank frowned at them and Gerald sighed, �Stop the chatter, please.�

Mary giggled as she tossed heals onto Gerald, but didn't say anything. As the second swordsman died the second Shieldbearer came up the stairs. Alburet targeted first one then the other, making them drop their shields as he hit them with Sap Strength.

�The more damaged one first,� Gerald said as both lost their defense.

Alburet was silently laughing, as after each kill DrFrank had to tell his skeleton to switch targets. Bob on the other hand, just followed along already knowing the drill. Once the four mobs were dead they looted up. Alburet got another Goblin Supply as well as a Broken Tower Shield.

�Oh, junk for sale,� Alburet said leaning on the shield before placing it into the smaller bag. He quickly tossed the stuff he wanted to keep into his bigger bag. �Okay, room with three doors at the bottom.�

�Yeah. We�ll do left then right before we go down the middle one which leads to the mini-boss.� Gerald said as he started to descend.

Fluffball hung back a second, �Thanks for giving me the trash weapon, Alburet. I checked my abilities and with a large weapon equipped the base modifier goes up. It tells me the right way to play the Berserker is with a large weapon. I�ll give up on the idea of a dual wielding Berserker for now. I still hope an ability will make that viable later on, though.�

Alburet walked with her down the stairs, �Luck, but I'm a horrible person for that kind of thing. After all, I picked the cosmetic ability at fifth level.�

�I like the idea of being able to change spells,� Mary said from just behind them. �I�ll pick it up myself before level twenty, probably. I hate the whole 'I beseech my god to heal my ally' thing to cast healing.�

�Right,� Alburet nodded, �that's what I thought.�

�DPS should always take the DPS increase,� DrFrank said. �Anything else hurts the party. Healers can get away with some frivolous choices.�

Gerald raised a single brow before coughing, �Okay, same as before Alburet.�

Alburet renewed Retribution before opening the left door. It was another room with three Goblin Swordsman mobs and one Goblin Shieldbearer. He made the Shieldbearer drop the shield for the pull, running back to Gerald again, which wasn't far as Gerald was just inside the door.

That fight as well as the next one went smoothly as the grouping was the same. �Very smooth,� Gerald said proudly. �Okay, middle door leads to a hall with cells down each wall. At the end is the Jailer against the back wall. The trick here is to put him next to a cell. The mob in the cell will help us kill him. Every 10% life he turns and one shots the mob and we drag him to the next cell. Once he gets to 10% he frenzies like the last boss. Do NOT run up the stairs. We all live or we all die. Once we get him to the last cell slip past him so we can use the hallway to retreat down. Any questions?�

Bob spoke up, �What things are in the cells?�

�Slaves that the goblins captured from the farmlands,� Gerald shrugged. �Not a Paladin so I don't care.� We�ll use them as this boss has a truckload of health.�

�Sounds like fun times,� Alburet said.

�Everyone is full, so let's go,� Gerald said, opening the door into the dimly lit hall. There were nine cells, five down one side and four down the other with twenty feet between them. �Hit me, Alburet.�

Alburet clapped his hands before touching Gerald, �Retribution.� Gerald walked down the hall with the others trailing him. At the back of the hall against the wall stood a very large and very fat goblin in leather pants and hood but bare chested, holding a glowing poker.

�Okay, on three I charge and drag him to the first cell,� Gerald said, then counted to three and rushed forward. He got three hits in on the Jailer before he got it positioned at which point the DPS opened up on it.

As they fought, the slaves in the cells began to beseech the players to save them. Alburet blocked them out and checked how they were doing against the mini-boss, The Jailer level 11, 3800/4000 health.

As they killed the Jailer Alburet noticed that the Jailer wasn't doing a lot of damage to Gerald. At 3600/4000 the Jailer spun and slammed his poker through the chest of the elf slave that had been attacking with them. He blinked as a buff came up on the Jailer�s health bar, Broken Slave. He focused on the icon and winced, �He gets a 20% damage increase for each slave he kills.�

Gerald blinked but nodded, �I think they changed the fight from beta then. I thought he was hitting easier. New plan, I'm going to try and push him back, we need to try and stop him from killing the others. If we only had a Trapsmith who could free them during the fight.�

Alburet pursed his lips then stopped casting and turned to the cell next to him. He pulled out the dagger from the prison and began to poke at the lock with it, wishing he still had the letter opener. After a few second he knew the dagger was too wide and turned back to the fight.

�I can try,� Bob said as he flung another Fire Blast.

�Do it,� Alburet said.

Bob turned to the cell and studied the lock for a minute. Alburet stopped watching as he focused on the fight. A few seconds later the door opened and the slave rushed out with a cry of joy, fleeing up the stairs. �One free,� Bob said proudly.

Quest: Save the Slaves

Reward: A surprise at the Stormguard Keep

�What the fuck,� Gerald said not daring to turn around.

�Bob is unlocking the cells,� Alburet said. �Since this guy is a cream puff right now it shouldn't be an issue.�

�He got another buff when the slave fled. Lost Slave, it gives him 10% more health.� Gerald replied, �Stop freeing them.�

�Bob, change of plans,� Alburet said before Bob could free another slave. �We�ll free them after hopefully.

The group went back to working the boss and when he went to 3200/4400 he rushed to the cell of the slave that had been freed, then growled and turned back to Gerald. As the boss rushed by Gerald the group stepped back, but as the boss went back to attacking Gerald they relaxed. When the next time came at 2800/4400 he again rushed to the closest cell, which was still empty, then went back to Gerald again.

�So if you get two cells empty somehow he won't keep getting buffs,� Mary said between heals. �We have the new strategy.�

�Good, now we just have to keep chipping away,� Gerald said.

The rest of the fight was anti-climactic for the most part. Alburet had to recast Retribution on Gerald before the last 10% phase. When the boss hit frenzy he doubled in size and began to hit anyone in melee range, which forced Fluffball to retreat as her health took a beating. Mary was able to keep Gerald up through the frenzy, even with Fluffball not being able to help, eventually the boss dropped dead.

A flash of light happened for everyone in the group. Alburet went to level eight as did DrFrank, the other three all hit level nine. �Level up before we move on,� Gerald said.

The group let out a cheer and sat down to level as Bob went down the row of cells releasing slaves. �He seems way more useful than I thought he would be,� DrFrank said grudgingly.

�Hear that Bob? The Doc gives you a good review,� Alburet called out as the imp was freeing the last slave. He finished adding his points into Wisdom and checked his new spell.

�Yeah, but all of his patients are dead so that doesn't bode well,� Bob said as he skipped back to them.

Alburet laughed then nodded at his spell. Demonic Haze: Mana cost: 50. Duration: 5 minutes/1 minute. On a friendly target raises Constitution by 10 for 5 minutes. On a hostile target lowers Constitution by 5 for 1 minute. May only be cast on one target at a time. To use this spell, point your finger into the air then at your target while saying the words �Infernal Mist.� (You may modify this spell due to an ability.) Alburet changed it, leaving the hand motion the same but changing the words to 'Bloody Haze'.

Mary giggled, �Oh! I get it now. Doctor Frankenstein right?�

Alburet closed his eyes in sympathy for Gerald, who seemed to care for the woman who didn't get the Necromancers name right away.

�That is correct,� DrFrank said with a laugh. �I want to make a monster, after all.�

Gerald coughed, �So, the loot is a necklace with +2 Constitution. Anyone else think they need it?� No one spoke up so Gerald took it and put it on, �Okay. We head back up then take the stairs leading up to the next floor. One pack of trash then the boss.�

They all got back to their feet and started walking, �Hey, we�re doing really well and found a new quest to boot.� Marysue said happily as they climbed to the first floor. �Thanks all of you for coming with.�

�Thanks for having us,� Alburet said automatically.

�It's been good,� Fluffball said brightly. �Two levels, all my quests done, and bonus quests to boot.�

�Wish I had been here at the start,� Frank said before sighing. �Oh well, it was nice of the dungeon quest to credit me with both kills when the jailer died. I should probably submit it as a bug just in case, though.�

�Yeah,� Mary nodded, �that way they�ll know we didn't try and cheat the system.�

They climbed the stairs to the second level with Alburet in the lead. A hall lay before him with two large goblins standing before the single door, Goblin Bodyguards level 11, 900/900 health. No visible weapons which concerned Alburet, so looked back at Gerald. �No weapons?�

Gerald nodded, �They use unarmed attacks but still hit like a truck. Buff me and let's go,� he said with a smile.

Alburet nodded, casting Retribution followed by Demonic Haze on Gerald before targeting one of the Bodyguards. He cast Fire Blast, throwing it down the hall like a missile. It splashed against the studded leather the goblin was wearing. He hurried down the stairs to Gerald at the base of the landing.

The two goblins rushed down only to met Gerald and his shield. Alburet understood the Bodyguards used no weapons, allowing their attacks to come very fast. He targeted the first one to be hit three times, landing a Sap Strength on it then the other before starting up his Fire Blast spam.

When the first Bodyguard went down the other one went into a rage and his speed and damage ramped up. �Fuck, they had a linked rage counter,� Gerald said as he all but huddled behind his shield.

Gerald ended up with 100 health remaining even with Mary�s heals by the time the second one dropped. Panting, he spoke, �Fuck that was intense. Like having a jack hammer attacking you.�

Alburet bit his lip, not saying the first thing that came to his mind but Bob didn't hold back. �So like me going after the last Succubus I was with.�

Marysue's eyes went big and round, Fluffball blushed crimson while DrFrank laughed hard. Gerald shook his head, �You might want to muzzle that thing after all.�

Alburet shook his head, �Bob is not a thing. Bob is a he as he just clearly stated. Even if he did do so in a rather inappropriate way.� The others all began to climb the stairs. Alburet held out his hand palm up and Bob slapped it, chuckling. �Good one.� Bob held up a thumbs up as they followed the others up the stairs and into the hall.

�Okay,� Gerald said, �last boss is right ahead of us in his office. He�ll summon adds at each quarter of his life. Kill the adds first, caster adds have priority over others. At every 10% he throws a poison cloud at a random player. Just move out of it, but note that it stays until the fight is over so when you move be mindful of it. I'm sure he�ll frenzy at the end as well, that seems to be the go to mechanic in here.�

No one had any questions so they approached the door and paused. Gerald held out his fist, �Let's get us some loot.� Everyone bumped fists, then Alburet buffed Gerald before Gerald opened the door walking in followed by the others.

The room was large, easily sixty feet square. The only two things taking up floor space were a desk and a large map table with figurines on it. The Commander was massive for a goblin, easily twice the size the Captain had been. Alburet focused on him to acquire the information: Guglug, Goblin Commander level 12, 1800/1800 health. Guglug was dressed in a chain shirt minus the rust and held twin swords.

�Okay everyone, you know the plan. Let's kill him,� Gerald shouted as he crossed to Guglug, who came around the desk to meet him wielding dual swords.

�I shall send your corpses back to your pathetic king,� Guglug roared as he lunged at Gerald.

Alburet tossed a Sap Strength on Guglug, hoping that it would help at least a little as he waited for the third attack so he could start his damage. Once Gerald shouted he started in along with the others. The first part of the fight was boring until he threw the first vial of poison at Fluffball. She darted, aside catching a small part of the cloud which drained almost 10% of her life in that single second she was inside the cloud.

Fluffball was coughing hard for a few seconds as she cleared her lungs, �It burns, so be careful.� She paused for another second before rejoining the fight. The second Poison Cloud went to DrFrank, who was moving as the vial was in the air, easily dodging it thanks to the distance it had to travel and being prepared.

The first set of adds come swiftly after that as the boss dropped to 1350/1800. Alburet was already turning to the door to see a single caster and a Shieldbearer. He weakened the Shieldbearer, making it drop its shield and allowing Gerald to pick it up as it tried to go past him to Mary. The three DPS stopped hitting the boss and focused the caster down quickly, with Fluffball taking the brunt of the damage which left her at 72% of her life.

They turned after the caster died and killed the Shieldbearer next, who hadn�t been able to reclaim its shield, before again focusing on the boss. Mary dodged the third vial easily, but the fourth vial cost Gerald almost twenty percent of his life before he was able to side step clear, coughing the whole time as he held his shield up and didn't even try to attack until he could see again.

Alburet was already moving when the next vial came, so it easily missed him as he went towards the door as the next set of adds came in. Two casters and a Shieldbearer this time. Alburet cast Sap Strength on the Shieldbearer again, making it drop the shield. Fluffball and Frank's skeleton were each tanking a caster, so Alburet went melee to regain mana faster as Bob burned down first Fluffball's add then turned to the other one as it dropped the skeleton.

DrFrank cussed and began to raise a new skeleton, which took five seconds for him to complete the spell. As he did, Bob stopped casting to regain his mana and Alburet stepped in next to Gerald to renew the Demonic Retribution and Demonic Haze buffs. He quickly backed out as the boss dropped to forty percent under the onslaught of Fluffball and DrFrank's new skeleton.

It was a good thing he was in motion as it meant he only caught the faintest hint of the poison cloud that exploded near him. Alburet gagged, dry heaving as he moved away. The air in his lungs felt heavy and harsh. He staggered for a few steps until he got clean air in his lungs, his eyes watering.

�Dear Devs, fuck you,� Alburet gasped, wiping his eyes until he could see again.

Once he was stable again he joined back into the damage. Frank dodged the vial at 30% health and the DPS all turned towards the door as the boss dropped to 450/1800 to catch the last wave of adds. Four casters came in and Alburet groaned. �Fuck, this is going to hurt. Bob, gonna need you to pull aggro on one.�

�Damn it,� Bob hissed and started chain casting his spell even faster than he had been.

Alburet went into melee against another, as Fluffball jumped onto a third and the skeleton picked up the fourth one. DrFrank focused the one on his minion first, which meant the skeleton died just before it did. Fluffball was weaving at 25% of her life as hers dropped and she turned to the one that had put Bob down to 5% of his life.

�Go home, Bob,� Alburet shouted not knowing if it would work. A cheerful cry met his ear along with a pop as Bob vanished.

Fluffball growled,� You saved the fucking imp, when I'm this badly hurt?�

Alburet nodded as he blocked another attack, hearing DrFrank casting his summoning spell. �Yes, just tap that one more time and it will fall over.�

Fluffball smashed the caster into the ground then turned to the one on Alburet and ripped its head off. Alburet blinked at the sheer ferocity that she showed in that moment. Fluffball growled at him as her eyes glowed red before she went back across the room to the boss.

Alburet, at full mana thanks to having gone to melee, stuck out his hand, �I summon Bob the Mighty.� A smoke cloud billowed and Bob appeared still at 5% health. �Welcome back. We need your help.�

�Sure thing, master,� Bob said his voice happy as he turned and began to cast at the boss again.

Mary dodged the vial at 20% and warned them that the boss would rage soon. She drank the mana potion Alburet had given her and tossed a heal onto Fluffball before going back to focus healing Gerald.

Frank stopped DPS to pool his mana as they got closer to the 180/18000 mark. That was smart, Alburet had to admit, running out of mana in the burn phase would be stupid. The boss hit the 10% mark and began to glow red.

Gerald stopped attacking and focused solely on defense to try and stay up as long as he could. Alburet smirked, realizing that as the boss frenzied and attacked faster that meant Demonic Retribution was going off more often and stealing even more health from the boss.

Gerald lived through the fight, barely. The boss dropped with Gerald at only 10 health left to his name, just as Mary called that she was tapped out of mana. The rest of them sagged as the adrenaline rush left their bodies, letting out a ragged cheer at their success.

�Good work with the adds,� Gerald said as his health started to regen on its own since combat had ended. �Wow, what a rush there at the end. I tank for that feeling.�

Alburet chuckled, having known a few adrenaline junkies in his time and this had to be the safest way to get that feeling. �So we all get loot this time, right?�

Mary nodded as she touched the boss which sent a pop-up to each of them, �Yes, here�s the loot.�

Ring of the Mind

+2 intelligence

Alburet smiled at his pop up and touched the accept button on the panel causing a ring to appear in his hand. He slipped it on with a smile, looking at the others. Fluffball was holding up a new chain shirt with a pleased smile, Gerald was holding a new sword, Mary had a ring on her hand and DrFrank was putting on a necklace.

�Good job everyone,� Mary said proudly. �I really do want to thank you all for the flawless run here, well minus Rocksure.�

Chuckling Alburet replied, �Well yeah, if you discount him it was good.�

�Tell me why you risked me over the imp,� Fluffball asked as she stalked towards him her fur still red tinged.

�The caster had two hits left in him but his next spell would have killed Bob. Bob loses happiness if he dies and I need a happy pet for the bonuses. The caster wouldn't have been able to kill you, so I chose the way I did.� Alburet said calmly. �If it bothers you, then I�m sorry but that is what I thought at the time.�

Pursing her lips, Fluffball considered then nodded, �Fine. We still up for grinding outside?� Alburet lips twisted up in a devilish grin and Bob fell over laughing, while DrFrank broke into a chuckle. Fluffball went red and shook her head, �That isn't what I meant.�

�I know, but wow what a straight line,� Alburet said, bowing her to the door. �Let us sally forth.� he turned to the trio still in the room, �Thanks for the run guys. If you want DPS and I'm around just let me know. Anyone know how to friend someone here?�

Fluffball spoke from the door, �You need a Mindstone for that. We get one when we turn in the supply quest at the keep, I think.�

�Shall we go turn in the quest then come back?� Alburet asked.

�That�s a good idea,� Marysue said. �We can go back as a group to speed up the travel time in case mobs jump us outside.� Everyone agreed to the plan so they headed out of the room and out of the keep.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 8

Strength: 5

Agility: 13

Constitution: 20

Intelligence: 27

Wisdom: 33

Charisma: 20

Health: 600

Mana: 730

Spells:

Demon Skin-Rank 2

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Sap Strength

Demonic Haze

Abilities:

Personal Spells

Rewards

The trip back to the Stormguard fort was quick with only four mobs getting in the way before being killed quickly. DrFrank smirked to see Alburet running along with them instead of walking. Once they entered the gates of the Stormguard fort though Alburet stopped running, going back to his walking speed.

He got to the rest of the group as they finished turning in their goblin heads to the Sergeant, who was handing out the silver to them in reward. Alburet snapped a salute when the Sergeant looked his way. �Sir, goblins killed sir. I was part of their unit for the most part.� He went into parade rest when the Sergeant returned the salute.

Quest completed: Kill at least twenty goblins

Receive: 2 gold and increased rep with all Stormguard reputations

�Well done,� the Sergeant replied with a smile before handing over the two gold. �Let me know if you kill any more goblins before you leave the area.�

�Will do,� Alburet replied, snapping another salute. He turned to find the others all staring at him, �What?�

�Why the fuck didn't you have to turn in any heads?� DrFrank snapped.

�Because I was polite, and acted like a respectable person by not running up and demanding things. The Sergeant might also have given me a slightly different version as I went back into old habits of addressing a superior officer. I had to kill twenty goblins minimum for the quest I had.�

Marysue shook her head, �So we can get different quests from the same NPC? Just by how we ask? That�s a new take even by Mindblown's normal game standards.�

�They increased the number of AI's used in this game as well as the quality. They�re using their latest iteration of AI's which are supposed to be able to emulate emotion better.� Gerald said with a thoughtful expression. �Anyway, we have another quest to turn in,� he hitched a thumb at the Quartermaster.

The four all ran over to the Quartermaster while Alburet walked over with a smile. He waited for the others to receive their rewards before he saluted the quartermaster. �Sir, here are the supplies you requested.� Alburet dropped the ten supplies he had gotten onto the desk. �Also, here are the armbands I retrieved as requested.�

Quest completed: Capture at least five goblin supply caches

Receive: A Mindstone and a leather jerkin (armor 15)

Quest completed: Goblin armbands

Receive: 5 gold and increased rep with all Stormguard factions

You are now at Liked with all Stormguard factions

�Well done. Here are your rewards. If you come across any more supplies or armbands I will gladly take them from you.� the Quartermaster said before holding up a hand. �Also, I've had reports of some farmers freed from the goblin fort. As such I am authorized to give you all one piece of equipment from my list.�

Quest completed: Save the Slaves

Receive: Any one item from the Quartermasters stores

He turned a book around to the group, �Just touch the item you want and it will be yours.�

DrFrank grabbed the book skimming it quickly before selecting a ring with +2 intelligence. �I'll take this one, thanks,� he said with a chuckle and handing the book to Gerald.

Gerald, then Marysue followed finally by Fluffball all selected their rewards. Gerald took a mail coif, Marysue took a necklace of +2 wisdom, while Fluffball took a two-handed axe. Alburet finally picked up the book and went through the options while the others all used their Mindstones to friend each other.

Everything seemed to be an upgrade to what he had, but the box marked with just question marks caught his eye. �What's in the mystery box?�

The Quartermaster smirked, �If I knew it wouldn't be a mystery now would it? All I know is that when I touched the box it said the contents would be unique to the one who opened it. So I left it alone. Who knows what could be inside?�

Laughing, Alburet touched the box, claiming it, �Let's find out, shall we?� The box appeared on the desk and Alburet touched it, accepting that the contents would unique to him via pop-up. The box vanished and a set of dark red leather gloves appeared before him.

Alburet paused, his lips quirked up as he examined the gloves, �Well, guess they are meant for me after all.�

Demon Lord�s Gloves

Unique Scaling Item, Part of the Demon Lord set

Armor 8 to hands (up to 100 depending on level) stacks with Demon Skin

Strength 8 (up to 100 depending on level)

Intelligence 8 (up to 100 depending on level)

Indestructible

You may use any weapon regardless of Strength required

Becomes Soul Bound when equipped

Other parts of set:

Robe

Crown

Boots-Equipped

Pants

Belt

3 pieces bonus: ???

6 piece bonus: ???

Alburet put the gloves on to the disbelieving stares of the others, �So nice of you to leave me the box, guys.�

�What the fuck, a set item in a mystery box at this level?� DrFrank said in disbelief. �That is so fucking lame.�

�Kind of unique anyway,� Gerald mused, �I mean, who takes that gamble when there are clear upgrades to be had? Anyway, let's touch stones so we can contact each other. I want to head back out and into the dungeon for another round.� He tapped his Mindstone to Alburet's, both of them accepting the request to friend the other.

Marysue smiled as she exchanged names with Alburet, �Take care, and thanks for the interesting day.�

Alburet exchanged friends with DrFrank and Fluffball as well, then found himself without a group as Gerald removed the DPS as he and Mary headed for the exit, followed by DrFrank asking if he could do a full clear with them.

�So, I notice your boots match your gloves.� Fluffball said with a raised eyebrow. �How did you get the boots?�

Shaking his head, Alburet replied, �Long story. Short version of it was I traded an item to an NPC for them. Kind of odd to have two set items in the first few days, though.�

�Yeah, pretty rare I'm going to say. So we going to group up and kill some more goblins? I still have a few hours before I'm going to log off.� Fluffball asked as she sent a group request to him.

Accepting the request, Alburet smiled, �Sounds good to me. Let's hit the merchant outside to sell off junk first though.� Fluffball agreed and walked with him outside and over to the vendor.

�So you roleplay as well?� Fluffball asked as they walked.

�Well, I got time and I think it's fun to really try to immerse oneself into the game,� Alburet replied. �I notice you like to groom your ears.�

�It's an easy quirk to roleplay. Also it feels kind of good. The sensation I get is like the warm feeling you might get if a loved one strokes your hair.� Fluffball replied with a slight blush, �So it works out.�

�Interesting,� Alburet said with pursed lips in thought. �So maybe they�re working out how to adapt the system to reflect how to accept non normal stimuli. If it works maybe they�ll lift the same sex mandate their games have currently.�

�Oh, so you think the Lunari are a test run to allow cross gender characters?�

�Could be, after all it's not like you have those ears or tail in real life. That means that your brain is trying to figure out how to interpret the data the game gives it when they�re touched or groomed. At least that's my theory on it, anyway.�

�Huh, I didn't think of it that way. I hope you�re right because that would mean I�m helping to further an awesome goal.� Fluffball smiled brightly as she spoke, as if pleased with the idea.

Alburet came to a stop before the merchant and addressed the man, �Good day to you, merchant. I have some items I would like to be rid of, if you are interested in buying them.�

�Let's see what you have,� the merchant replied with a bored expression.

Alburet unloaded the rusty weapons and tattered leathers he had looted onto the table the man had next to the wagon. �This is all of it.�

The merchant went through the stuff, setting aside all the weapons. �I can buy everything but those. The smith across the way might buy them. For the rest of this stuff, say fifty silver?�

�Works. I�ll have some more later to sell you as well,� Alburet said, shaking hands with the merchant before accepting his coin and putting the weapons back in his bag.

Fluffball stepped forward and unloaded all her non weapon stuff for sale. �I also would like to sell you these items, sir. I heard what you said about the weapons so I have kept them.�

�Oh, an adventurer who listens to us, how novel.� The merchant chuckled, �For that I offer you sixty silver in trade.�

Her smile growing, Fluffball accepted with a shake of hands. �A pleasure doing business with you sir, we�ll be back in a few hours with more.�

�I shall look forward to it,� the merchant replied as he watched them walk over to the smith.

As they approached, Alburet noted the dwarf smith setting aside a finished sword. �Greetings sir smith, the merchant tells me you might be interested in buying the weapons we retrieved from the goblin fort?�

Looking up, the dwarf nodded, �Aye tha' I would. Lay them out and I will let ye know wha' they be worth.�

Alburet and Fluffball set their weapons out in separate piles, which the smith looked over. �I will give each of ye fifty silver for the entire lot.� Alburet nodded along with Fluffball, each of them accepting and taking the coin before informing the dwarf they would be back later with more. �I look forward to it,� the dwarf replied, watching them leave the keep.

�So Fluffball, may I just call you Fluff?� Alburet asked as they paused outside the main gates.

�I don't mind, but you told Gerald earlier not to call you Al. Why was that?� she asked as they started into a jog towards the goblin fort.

�I just don't like to shorten the name, but I will let you cut it down.� Alburet replied as they went around the people engaged in fighting.

Bob cackled, �So the women can call you Al, but not the guys?�

�He all but seems to disappear at times, doesn't he?� Fluffball asked, glancing back at Bob. �Then he speaks up to remind us that he�s there.�

�Yeah, but without him I would be way worse off as a Summoner. He has helped me time and time again when things have been going badly. I�ll put up with the comments for that kind of help.� Alburet said, then grinned evilly at Bob, �Unless he gets really bad.�

Bob just yawned as they jogged on, �Yeah, yeah, whatever.�

Fluffball shook her head, �I can just see an imp acting like this if they were real. The AI does an amazing job at lifelike NPCs.�

�Of course I am real,� Bob scoffed, �I'm just not two-souled like you two.�

Alburet was about to reply when he spotted a goblin coming right at them, �Company.� He slid to a stop, casting retribution on Fluffball. �You're the tank, Fluff.�

Fluffball got a red glow to her as she leapt at the Goblin Scavenger the two-handed sword he had given her arcing around to hit the mob. She let out a savage roar as the blow connected and the goblin seemed to pull back slightly from her. Bob and Alburet started peppering it with Fire Blasts as it did so.

The fight didn't last long and Fluffball took minor damage. �That was fun,� Fluffball said as they started moving towards the right corner of the fort that Alburet had used before. �At ninth level I got Intimidating Roar, it shakes the target making them fearful.�

�Useful, but what�s fearful really mean?�

�Good question. I have no idea really, but they do seem hesitant to try and attack me when the debuff is on them. Cool-down is a minute and it only lasts ten seconds. I�ll use it when appropriate normally. Any idea what you get next level?�

�I think the pamphlet said I get a Lesser Destroyer, which I hope is my tank minion.�

�Destroyers are the backbone of the Infernal army,� Bob interjected. �They excel at and thrive on being in the midst of combat.�

�Sounds like a tank minion to me,� Alburet grinned.

�They are slow, stupid and boring,� Bob said with a sigh. �They are only good for smacking things in the face while being smacked in the face.�

�Yeah, sounds like a tank minion alright,� Fluff nodded. �Once I hit ten I think I'm going to jump back to the capital and get my next ability. I might log for the night at that point.�

�Understandable. Here comes the next one.� Alburet said as the next Goblin Scavenger came running towards them.

They fell into a groove for the next hour, killing the mobs that came to them and occasionally pulling a loose one from further away. �It seems slower than I thought it would be,� Alburet said.

�We�re still in early access for the next day. Also, the monthly fee to play is kind of high, but then again so is a good VR rig. Still, it will keep the population low for a while. In a few hours this place should pick up as evening comes around. One of the reasons I like playing in the earlier part of the day.�

�Fair enough. So you going to be on tomorrow?�

�Yeah. If you�re on we can hook up again, unless you grind your way past me.� Fluffball said, getting ready as another goblin was coming to them.

�I'd love to hook up and grind with you,� Alburet said, intending the obvious double entendre.

Fluff blushed and turned away from him to hack at the goblin with extra fervor. Alburet wondered if he had taken it a step too far but focused on the job at hand. Just before the mob died the two-handed sword Fluff was using vanished in a shattering of blue sparkles. Bob's next fire ball killed the goblin thankfully, before it could do any damage to Fluff while she was unarmed.

As the mob dropped Alburet felt the rush of leveling as well as seeing the light around Fluffball. They congratulated each other, taking a moment to drop stat points in. Alburet checked his next spell, which was indeed Summon Lesser Destroyer. �Yeah new minion, woohoo,� he said smiling.

�Good, it means I won't feel bad for running off,� Fluffball said. �I think I'm going to call it for the day after I go train my next ability. Also good to know what a weapon breaking looks like.�

Alburet nodded, �Fluff, my last comment about grinding...�

�No. No, it's okay.� She said quickly cutting him off, �I'm just... Look, what I'm trying to say is we just met and...� Her skin under the fur was bright red.

�Ahh, poor little kitty wants it but is timid,� Bob laughed.

�Bob!� Alburet snapped, his face going hard. �Do not tease her like that, is that understood?� His voice was the hard steel he�d used when he had to back an inmate down on his old job.

Bob froze up before nodding once, turning and bowing to Alburet. �Yes, master.�

Fluffball looked from Alburet to Bob then back. Her voice was very soft, �Um thanks. I'll see you later okay?�

Turning away from glowering at Bob, he looked at Fluffball with trepidation. �I'm really sorry about that Fluff. I hope the rest of your night is good.� He held out his hand which Fluffball took, he turned it so the back of her hand was up and gently kissed the back of it. �Good evening m'lady Fluff.�

Fluffball stared at her hand even after he released it, her mouth open slightly and her eyes glazed. �Um, yeah. Night Al,� she pulled her Homestone from her bag in a daze and vanished.

�Ah. Good Summoner, bad imp,� Bob said. �I see you want to play the angles, eh?�

Alburet felt his face go blank again as he turned to the imp, �Bob. I like you as a minion and I think we work well together, but if you ever do that again I will be forced to be very, very unpleasant. Do you understand this simple warning?� His grey eyes sparked with untold wrath as he matched the gaze of the imp.

Bob took a step back, holding up his claws, �I understand, master.�

�Good. Now let's see about your bigger brother joining us.� Alburet said, dismissing the imp from his mind while he felt the anger boiling inside him still. He tried his best to get his emotions back under control, internally sighing over the fact he still had issues.

He opened the spell tab and looked over the spell. Summon Lesser Destroyer: Mana cost: 15% of total mana pool while minion is active. Duration: Until dismissed. The Lesser Destroyer will taunt enemies to it to help keep you safe. Alburet chuckled seeing the same phrase and motions to deal with the IRS to pick his minion and tapped the spell requirements for the actual summon, modifying them.

That done Alburet mimed opening a book and spoke the words to summon the IRS, �I summon the Infernal Retinue Society to aid me in my choosing of a minion.�

A glowing red pentagram appeared on the floor and began to blaze with hellish light. Appearing inside was the bipedal frog Bettzle who promptly put his glasses on. �Greetings, Summoner Alburet. I see it is time to bolster your ranks. You are looking for a Lesser Destroyer, correct?�

�Greetings, Bettzle. I am indeed trying to find the Lesser Destroyer that will be my helper.�

�Well, lucky for you we have a few to pick from. Your choice can never be changed, so pick wisely.� The toad gestured and four ID pictures with stats appeared before Alburet.

Alburet ignored all but the one with the highest loyalty and checked its stats. 40 Strength, 50 Constitution, 5 Dexterity, 3 Intelligence and Wisdom, and to finish it off 1 Charisma. The picture of the beast showed a very typical large, muscular red skinned demon with horns and tail. In other words, a very large imp minus wings. It held a shield and axe in its hands and wore leather pants only.

Alburet selected that Infernal, causing Bettzle to purse his lips, �Again taking the weakest but most loyal. You are most strange for a Summoner.�

�What can I say? Loyalty is where the action is really at,� Alburet replied.

�Well, good luck with that weakling as your shield,� Bettzle said with a smile before vanishing in a flash.

�Okay Bob, you ready to say hello to your big brother?�

Bob rolled his eyes, �The large and stupid Infernal.�

Alburet pointed his right index finger at the ground a few feet away, �Come to me, Tiny.�

With a flash and puff of smoke and the Lesser Destroyer appeared. It threw back its head in a roar and stretched. �My master calls me. I come to wreck vengeance in your name.� Its voice was deep and powerful, with a growling resonance to it.

�Welcome to the party. I am your master, Alburet, and this imp is called Bob. He is my loyal minion, as you will be.�

The destroyer bowed to Alburet, �Point me at your enemies so I might kill them in your name, master.�

�First I must bestow upon you a name. A name so fearsome and terrible it causes the foe to quake in fear.� Alburet said, keeping his voice even as he held back his laughter.

�Yes, master. What shall be the name our enemies learn to fear?�

�I shall call you Tiny the Fearsome,� Alburet said as he held back his laughter. Bob exploded in laughter, bending over to slap his knee.

�Tiny, you called him Tiny. Hahaha,� Bob gasped as he kept laughing.

�I call you Bob the Mighty, so why not him being Tiny the Fearsome?� Alburet replied, his own grin coming out.

Tiny seemed to ponder it for a moment before standing to his full seven foot height. �Tiny the Fearsome I shall be. Let me wreak havoc in your name, master Alburet.�

Alburet blinked, looking at the Lesser Destroyer who didn't seem to understand the joke. �Err, okay, yes. We are holding this ground and killing the goblins that come to us.�

Bob kept laughing while slipping to the ground, �Told you they�re as smart as a bunch of rocks. He doesn't understand and never will hahahahahahahahaha.�

Alburet shook his head, looking down at the imp rolling on the ground, �Okay Bob, that's enough. Settle down. The next goblin should be coming any second.� Turning to Tiny Alburet asked him an important question, �Tiny, how do you gain happiness?�

�Protecting my master and killing his foes. I become unhappy when I am not allowed to fulfill those roles.� Tiny said, his eyes beginning to glow red as he spotted the Goblin Scavenger coming at them.

�Okay. Tiny, he is the target,� Alburet began, pointing at the goblin, only to see Tiny rush forward the few feet and hack at the goblin with hate.

�How dare you threaten the master?! Die, you weak goblin!� Tiny roared as he engaged the goblin in combat.

�See? Only good for being a block,� Bob said, still chuckling as he got to his feet, before starting to cast his spell.

�At least it means I won't be the punching bag anymore,� Alburet said with a smile, knowing he wouldn't end up in as much pain any more.

For the next hour Alburet marveled in how well Tiny did his job before calling it time and heading back to the Stormguard fort. He needed to grab some food and drink, his Hungry and Thirsty debuffs were almost at the end of their duration, which would leave him with the Starving and Parched debuffs.

The guards on the gate nodded to him but eyed Tiny carefully. Tiny snorted at them as if he found them contemptible. �Silly humans are no match for Tiny the Fearsome,� Tiny said as he walked by.

�Tiny, they are friends. Do not insult those who aid us,� Alburet admonished his minion as he headed to the merchant. Tiny bowed his head and remained silent, accepting the order.

�Greetings again, sir,� Alburet said to the merchant. �My friend had to go but I�ve brought back more items for you to purchase.� He placed all the non-weapon drops onto the table.

�Very good. Hmm, not nearly as much as last time. I will give you twenty silver for the lot,� the merchant said.

�Good enough for me. I wonder, though, if you have anything to eat or drink that I might acquire from you?�

�I have the best jerky this side of Stormguard and a wine pouch filled with a decent wine. Twenty five copper for both.�

�Done. Take it from the coin you offered me. In fact, if you have another set of jerky and wine I�ll take them as well.�

�I have four such sets of food. Would you like them all?� the merchant asked with a grin.

�Deal,� Alburet shook hands with the merchant and put three sets of food and drink away along with the coin. �Pleasure doing business with you again.�

�Pleasure was all mine,� the merchant replied as Alburet went off to sell stuff to the blacksmith.

After selling the few weapon drops he had gotten, Alburet ducked into the keep to hand off the three extra supplies he had picked up. The Quartermaster thanked him, with assurances that his deeds would be known by others.

Alburet found a spot and sat down to eat with a sigh, glad to just relax for a bit. As he finished his food the Sergeant came over to him. �Private, did you need a place to sleep for the night?�

Alburet got to his feet and saluted the Sergeant, �It would be much appreciated, sir. I was told by Captain Roberto to stay away from the capital for a couple of days.�

You are now Disliked by Gilden House.

Alburet blinked at the sudden reputation pop-up, but pushed it away since the Sergeant was still talking.

�Hmm, so the Captain of Training knows you. Very well, then. If you take the stairs behind my desk you will find the barracks. Take any bed that doesn't have gear in the foot locker. Consider this payment for the extra goblins you are killing.�

�Yes sir, thank you sir.� Alburet replied. �I will do so, but first I am going to head back out for a bit longer and slaughter some more of the green skinned bastards.�

�As you will. Just stay safe out there.� the Sergeant went back to his desk just as another player to come running in to demanded a quest.

�Alright, guys. Break time is over. Let's head out again,� Alburet said, then paused. �Err� Do I need to feed you two?�

�Tiny feeds on the blood of his enemies,� Tiny said.

Bob rolled his eyes, �We don't eat anything from this plane. Just dismiss us when you�re done for the night and we will eat when we return to our plane. We can go days without needing to eat though, so do not worry.�

�Good to know,� Alburet said as he led them back out the gate. �Tiny, front and center. Do not attack any goblin engaged with another player. We are heading back to the corner we were at earlier.�

Tiny grunted and set off at a trot, followed by the other two. �Good thing you gave him explicit instructions or he would be stopping at every mob,� Bob said as he ran along with them in his normal skipping gait.

Alburet just chuckled as they engaged their first goblin. �I thought he might.�

They spent the next few hours killing any goblin that came in range. Alburet noticed the number of players starting to increase as evening came on. He called a halt to it without having hit level ten, but he knew he was close to it.

�Alright, back to the fort and once we are inside the walls you two will be dismissed for the rest of the night.� Alburet said and started to jog for the fort. The two minions followed along and vanished in puffs of smoke as soon as he passed the gates. �Well, at least they follow orders well.�

He sold off the excess gear and handed off supplies before heading up to the barracks. Once he found a bed, he dropped one piece of gear into the foot locker. A message came up telling him that anything he stored in the locker could only be retrieved by him. Smiling, he put both bags into of the locker along with his staff.

Turning, he found a young man in uniform buckling on a belt. �Excuse me, is there a bathing room here?� Alburet asked the man.

�Down the hall, fourth door on the right,� the private replied without looking over. �Remember to clean up after yourself or the Sergeant will be pissed.�

�Will do, thanks,� Alburet said and followed the directions he had been given.

The bathing room was a large room filled with four granite tubs. A sink stood to one side along with a wood stove that was burning away. Taking some kettles stacked near the stove, Alburet filled them with water and placed them on the stove, then he partially filled a tub with cold water after having put the stopper into it. He added the hot water when it was ready before stripping down and climbing in. He used the bar of lye soap he found on the tub rim to scrub down before relaxing in the water.

As he was getting dressed after his bath the door opened and ten men came in laughing and carrying on. They froze at the sight of Alburet. One of them stepped forward with a frown. �What are you doing in here, Civvy?�

Sighing, Alburet stood up, �Leaving actually. After I look about the place a bit more I think I might retire a bit early tonight. Is that a problem, private?�

�Yeah. This is a military keep not a fracking inn,� the private said belligerently. �I think I should take you down to the Sarge so he can explain it to you.�

�The Sergeant is well aware that I�m here. He offered me the barracks as a place to sleep for the night. Something about killing more goblins than any of the privates in the building. Now excuse me, but I will be leaving.� Alburet walked forward being forced to stop as none of the privates moved.

�I don't think so dumb nuts. First we�re gonna teach you a lesson for insulting us.� the private growled, reaching out to grab him.

Alburet sidestepped, taking the proffered arm and tossing the private into the nearest tub. �I think I should go without being taught anything. I will warn you that the Sergeant and Captain Roberto at the capital both think highly of me.�

The others all stepped out of the way with dark looks and mutters. The first one clambered to his feet groggily. �Don't let him bluff you, guys. After we beat the shit out of him we�ll turn him over to the Sarge and say he started the fight.� The eyes of the other nine all glinted at the idea.

Alburet sighed and pointed behind the group, �Come to me, Tiny.�

The group paused to glance behind them as the smoke cleared, showing Tiny. �You called, master?�

�You�re a fracking Summoner?� one of the guys gasped and stepped well away from the others.

�Yes. Now, do you want to continue down this road or not?�

The guys near the door backed away from Tiny and Alburet, shaking their heads. �Oh come on guys, if we subdue him the demon leaves.� The first attacker said as he got out of the tub, clenching his fists.

�Tiny, make sure the others do not join in. This one is mine.� Alburet said as he turned back to the attacker. �I ask you again to stand down, private.�

The young man shook his head and stepped forward slowly, �I'm going to show you that we�re better than you, Summoner.�

Alburet waited, arms out before him, his hands flat as the man came forward. Alburet batted the first three strikes away, �This is not going to work out for you.�

�I'm just testing your defenses,� the private said before lunging forward with both hands, trying to grab Alburet.

Alburet went down and swept the grabbing arms up and away before turning and slamming a hand into the back of the private�s knee. As the private went to his knee Alburet grabbed him from behind and applied a choke.

�Aggression is not always the answer. The wise man learns when to back down. Are you wise?� Alburet said waiting for the private to go limp. Once no more resistance was forthcoming Alburet released the hold and stood back up. �Anyone else?�

The other nine looked from him to the private then back, shaking their heads.

�Good,� Alburet said. �Tiny, pick him up and follow me. We are going to see their superior about this incident.�

The other nine sighed and followed Tiny, who followed Alburet, out the door and down to the main room. The unconscious private was beginning to stir as they arrived at the Sergeant�s desk. He looked at the group with raised eyebrows.

�Sir,� Alburet saluted. �I am afraid I must report being attacked by this man in the bathing room. He addressed me as a Civvy and told me to get out. He failed to listen to me when I informed him that I was in the barracks on your invitation, sir. These nine witnessed the attack but did not interfere when I asked them to stay out of it.�

The Sergeant looked at the other nine, who all nodded agreement with what Alburet had said. He then turned to the private who was getting to his feet from where Tiny had dropped him. �Private Jenkins, do you have anything to add?�

�Sir, he attacked me, sir. He summoned a demon and attacked me after intimidating the others.�

�I have a different story from Alburet and the others have agreed with his story. Do you wish to continue with that line Private Jenkins?�

Private Jenkins lowered his head, �No sir. I attacked him without provocation. I was in the wrong. I just let my anger at all the Civvies talking down to us out on him, or tried to.�

�Very well, you have kitchen duty for the next month during your usual off time. Maybe this will teach you not to act without thinking. The rest of you, not all civilians are what you expect. This goes double for the two-souled. Alburet here has been killing goblins all day. Take this into consideration the next time you see a civilian in the keep. If it bothers you that much, come to me first before you start a fight.�

A bunch of yes sirs followed before he dismissed them all. He turned to Alburet, who dismissed Tiny, �So how did you subdue Larry? He�s one of our better unarmed fighters here. He was trained by his father Leoric, who was trained by his father Leeroy.�

Alburet chuckled, �The same way I showed the captain. If you can spare a few minutes and a few men I�ll show you what I showed him.�

The rest of the night Alburet walked the guards of the keep through the same holds he�d showed the city guards. As the Sergeant called a halt to it for the night he thanked Alburet.

�Thank you Alburet, for the informative night. If you�re staying around for another day maybe you can spar with us tomorrow.�

You are Liked by Sergeant Jasper.

Alburet nodded, �I�ll see what I can do, sir.�

Finally Alburet got back to the barracks and collapsed for the night, letting sleep wash over him. His dreams were of a smiling Victoria and a purring Fluffball.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 9

Strength: 14

Agility: 14

Constitution: 25

Intelligence: 36

Wisdom: 34

Charisma: 20

Health: 700

Mana: 790

Spells:

Demon Skin-Rank 2

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Sap Strength

Demonic Haze

Summon Lesser Destroyer

Abilities:

Personal Spells

Grinding Goblins

Alburet woke, stretching before he sat up to look around. All around him guards were dressing and chatting away amiably with a few giving him nods as they went by. Smiling at the camaraderie, he got to his feet to grab his gear from the footlocker. Sitting down he put on his boots and gloves which were his only real pieces of armor, as his Demon Skin did better than anything else he had. Once he was ready he shouldered his bag, took up his staff and made his way to the stairs.

Sergeant Jasper met him at the foot of the stairs, �Morning, Alburet. If you would like to break your fast with us we would welcome you at the table.�

�Sounds good to me, sir,� Alburet said, following the Sergeant down a hall into a large dining room which already had a number of soldiers eating porridge with some fruit. He followed the Sergeant's lead, taking a wooden bowl and filling it with the porridge before accepting a cup of tea from an older woman. Sitting across the table from Sergeant Jasper, Alburet sipped his tea and discovered it was an apple spiced tea. He took a sample of the porridge, smiling at the honey sweet taste. �Very good food and tea, sir.�

Jasper nodded as he dug into his own food with the speed of a professional solider. Once he finished the porridge he leaned back slightly and sipped at his tea. �So, are you off to slaughter more goblins today, or are you going to stick around and train the men some more?�

�Possibly a bit of both, though in what order will depend on if any of those I was with yesterday ask for aid today. I shall let you know once I myself know.�

�During the hours of daylight I shall be at my station manning the duty desk. If you come back after dark I will probably be in the training area out back, working on what you taught us last night.� Jasper stood up, gathering his empty bowl and mug. �Enjoy the meal and I wish you a pleasant day.�

Alburet, who had just finished his own meal, followed the Sergeant, �You as well, sir.� He dropped his bowl and cup off in a tub of soapy water, following Jasper�s lead, then followed the man out back to the main room. He took a breath while he considered his options about what he wanted to do. He could go solo farm more goblins easily enough, he could head off to see about finding a more profitable area to farm, or he could stay and train the guards.

He did enjoy training the guards, it brought him back to the happier times he had before. Teaching defensive tactics had been a favorite of his when he worked. He cut off that thought as it would only loop back to his crime. Shrugging, he summoned Bob and Tiny to his side and was just about to head out when he noticed a message from Fluffball flashing away at him.

Message from Fluffball:

Alburet, I will be back out at the keep in half an hour at the most. If you�re willing to party up with me again, we can farm the courtyard if your tank minion is any good. If you�re willing I�ll meet you by the merchant in the courtyard of Stormguard fort.

Alburet tossed her a quick reply using the Mindstone, which sent text messages rather than using �telepathic� communication. He wondered at that. Mindblown could easily have made the Mindstone use VOIP or something similar so players could actually talk to each other. Shrugging it off, he informed the guys that they would have company before he let Sergeant Jasper know that he was off to kill goblins for an undetermined amount of time. He waved to the Quartermaster on his way out, getting a friendly nod in return.

�Master,� Bob asked, �I notice you treat everyone the same, people of this world and other two-souled that is. Why is this?�

�Hard to explain really,� Alburet said. �Most of my kind think of those of this world as little more than paper dolls, here to serve them in furthering themselves. I find myself thinking of this place as a universe of its own. Everyone here has reacted or acted just like any person of my other world would near as I can tell, so it just seems right I should treat everyone equally.�

�Even us?� Bob asked, pointing at himself and Tiny. �You don�t order us about really, and you rarely demand we do anything even when I push at the bounds of good taste.�

�You are my companions, we will be together for a long time I think. As such, does it not behoove me to learn about you and find the best way to work with you? True, I could just gag you and order you from point A to point B. However, that wouldn�t garner the best results, now would it?�

�True,� Bob agreed, �but you only snapped at me once yesterday, and it wasn�t even about a comment I made about you.�

�I know. You need to understand, Bob, for most of the two-souled this world is a chance to be someone else. Here we can do things we would never do in our other world, by and large. Someone shy, for instance, might very well be a fierce Berserker here. I myself would have been something akin to a Defender in my other life, not a man who consorts with demons. Some do it to unshackle those parts of themselves they feel are constrained by the other world. Others do it to gain the confidence they lack normally.�

�So you think Fluffball is a shy and quiet person in her other soul?�

�Consider all that she said and did and think about it, Bob,� Alburet said with a smile. �She should be here soon and then we�ll be off to kill more goblins.�

Tiny grunted, �Good, I am bored.�

�Don�t worry. You�ll soon be busy enough. We�ll be killing much faster than yesterday, with only a few seconds between goblins. As long as we don�t run out of goblins.�

Tiny�s eyes glowed for a moment, �Praise be to the master.�

�Wow, he is big, isn�t he?� Fluffball said from behind Alburet who spun at her words, startled.

�Hey, Fluff. Everything good to go?�

�Yeah, I�m as ready as I can be. How long you on for?�

�I woke shortly before your message found me, so probably for hours and hours.� He sent her a party invite, which she accepted. �Let�s go kill us some goblins and loot their corpses.�

�You say the sweetest things to a girl,� Fluffball chuckled and groomed her ears.

�Alright boys,� Alburet said, �across the open ground like yesterday. We�ll kill everything not engaged in combat on the way. Tiny, I�ll be doing my best to keep Demonic Retribution on you all the time.� He broke into a jog, followed by the others.

The group ended up killing almost a dozen Scavengers before they made it to the goblin fort. They headed through the gate, hugging the wall to the front left corner. Tiny was grinning broadly as they pulled the first goblin, a Shieldbearer. When Alburet cast Sap Strength which made it drop the shield Tiny roared with laughter and hacked into it more viciously. Bob shook his head, sighing at how easily Tiny was amused, but otherwise had been really quiet since they�d left the keep.

They paused after the first kill and Alburet asked Fluffball about her latest talent. �What did you pick up at ten, Fluff?�

�Unshackled Rage, makes me immune to root or slow effects. I haven't met anything that roots or slows a player yet, but the other option was two-handed mastery and I�m hoping for a dual wield option still, so I left that one alone for now,� Fluff replied as Tiny roared at another goblin, taunting it to them. �He really likes to yell, doesn�t he?�

�Well he won�t be spinning poetry, unlike someone else who might,� Bob said with a sly grin.

Alburet rolled his eyes, �I thought you were biding your time for something. Also, it wasn�t poetry. It was Shakespeare, who was one of the better known playwrights of my world.� He stepped forward and reapplied Retribution to Tiny as he spoke.

Fluffball hacked into the latest goblin alongside Tiny, �Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and many more.�

Bob shrugged, �You two-souled speak of things I know nothing about. All I know is you bolted when the master started a speech the other day.�

�Enough, Bob,� Alburet said softly and without force. �She didn�t want to hear it was all and I can�t blame her for that. That specific scene is a very moving bit where love is confessed. I never should have started to quote it to a woman I do not know. That was a mistake on my part, not hers. Hell, if the roles had been reversed I probably would have done the same.�

The rest of the fight was done without banter but once the goblin died and Fluffball had looted it she seemed hesitant. �It was a little shocking is all. I mean, I do love Shakespeare�s plays, but that scene from an unknown guy was a bit unnerving. I do think you�re a nice guy and I love the fact you can quote the plays. Just maybe not that one right now.�

Alburet bowed to her, �As the lady does request, so shall it be.�

Fluffball beamed at him before giving a curtsy in return, �M�lord is very kind, to acquiesce to my request.�

�I am kind of curious though as to what you do when not killing goblins here in Alpha World,� Alburet said as the goblin fell over dead. He looted and checked the pop-up that occurred with a smile before refreshing Tiny's buffs for the next pull.

Constantly allowing your destroyer to follow his heart has raised his happiness.

Tiny�s Happiness has reached Content.

Your minion receives a 25% boost to stats and health.

�You mean in real life?� Fluffball asked a little uncertainly. �What about you?�

�Nothing much really for the most part now. I don�t have to worry about food, paying a mortgage or anything like that. I used to work for a county sheriff office before the incident that forced me to leave the force. When I was last not in game, I had a full medical team checking my vitals.� Alburet said, skirting the truth while saying as much as he could truthfully. He had been unable to keep the undertone of bitterness from his voice though as he spoke of not being on the force any more.

�Oh,� Fluffball said, her eyes a little wide as she took in the information and leapt to attack the latest goblin. �So you�re disabled then? I�m sorry, I didn�t mean to dig up past wounds.�

�It�s okay. I�m trying my best to move past the incident.� He said, not correcting her then tried to deflect her even further afield. �What �bout you?�

�Oh, um, I do freelance artwork. Mostly digital but I also draw, paint and do freelance photography as well.� Fluffball turned a slightly deeper shade of red then the normal shade she had when attacking a foe.

�So you�re a creative mind, very nice. What has been the piece you�ve enjoyed creating the most?�

Fluffball�s next swing went well wide as he asked the question, before she coughed and launched herself back into the fight. She didn�t reply as she fought and Alburet wondered what the problem might be. When the goblin died Fluffball took her time looting the corpse as if trying to delay the inevitable.

Seeing her hesitation, Alburet gave her a way out, �I�m sorry, Fluff. I don�t know why the question is difficult for you but I withdraw it. For all I know it might give away who you are which is something I�m sure you�re working to avoid, considering the previous stalker.�

Fluffball glanced at him then away, the blush showing through the thin down fur that covered her. �No it�s not that it�s just�,� she bite her lip. �My most well received piece was a bit of fantasy art. It depicted a blonde elf woman riding the back of a unicorn with a horde of orcs chasing after her. She had on a pair of broken manacles but nothing else. The unicorn�s mane fig leafed her, so nothing actually showed.�

�Wow, giving the impression then that the elf maiden was a virgin as she was riding a unicorn. Possibly fleeing slavery and rape at the hands or the orcs.� Alburet said, nodding before buffing Tiny again for the next pull. �I would think that could be a cover for a fantasy novel or even a fantasy romance novel.�

Fluffball smiled, seeming a little relieved, �It was probably my best work to date.�

Alburet made a mental note that she hadn�t called it her favorite piece, but let it go for now. �So that�s your living then?�

Fluffball shook her head, �It�s a hobby that gives me some extra cash. I�d rather not go any further down this road for now.� She leapt at the goblin Tiny had just brought to them, eagerly slashing into it.

Alburet waited until that goblin died and was looted before he changed the topic to less chancy areas. As they continued to kill mobs they traded information about favorite foods, music groups and more, seeing what they had in common as they killed goblin after goblin. An hour Alburet noticed he had a new message.

Message from Marysue:

Gerald and myself are going to see about getting a group for another run through the goblin fort. We found that it was a little tougher when the Shieldbearers were able to keep their shields, so Gerald thought we should see if you would want to come along.

Alburet stopped Tiny from pulling the next mob while he replied to the message. He let Fluffball know about Marysue�s message and got her ready agreement to another dungeon run. He informed Marysue that he was currently in a group with Fluffball inside the fort killing mobs, but if they wanted to take both of them they would go.

Message from Gerald:

We�ll be there with another person in a few minutes. Be ready to drop group and accept my invite when we get there. Which corner are you farming?

Alburet sent off a quick reply before turning to the Fluffball and his minions. �They�ll be here shortly. Gerald asks we drop group so we can join his when he gets here. Bob, you know the drill from yesterday. Tiny, we will be meeting up with friends in a moment and heading into the fort. You are coming with, but you must not taunt the mobs unless I ask you to specifically. If you do otherwise, it will cause problems for me with the party leader.�

Tiny seemed a bit sulky, but nodded, �As you wish, master.�

�Don�t worry. During two of the boss fights there are adds that you�ll be in charge of picking up,� Alburet said.

�Right,� Tiny said, his teeth gleaming as he smiled.

�That�s gonna be about the best you can expect from him,� Bob said, shaking his head.

�Do we want to grab one more first?� Fluff asked.

�Sure, we can grab the two between us and the portal,� Alburet said with a laugh. �Tiny, grab the two between us and the fort�s main doors. We�ll be killing them just to the left of the portal.� He slapped buffs onto Tiny as Tiny ran forward yelling.

�He really does love to yell,� Fluff laughed as she followed after Tiny, trailed by Bob and Alburet.

The battle was longer than the others and Tiny took a bad beating but was still alive when both mobs died. As Tiny regained his health after combat, Alburet saw Gerald and Marysue coming through the main gates so he disbanded the group, waving to them.

Gerald, Marysue and the other DPS ran over to them as Gerald sent them invites to the group. �Everyone inside,� Gerald said once Fluff and Alburet accepted the invites.

Stepping through the portal, Gerald turned to Alburet, �Get rid of the destroyer please. He�ll taunt the mobs off me.�

�No, he won�t. He has been told not to,� Alburet said evenly. �He will add to how fast we can kill things, unless the other DPS is a melee type.�

�Call me Franz,� the unknown DPS said. �I�m an Elementalist, so I won�t be in the thick of the fight.�

�So Tiny can get around the ones you have aggroed and help add in more damage. Besides, in the two boss fights we�ll want him to help with the adds.� Alburet said.

�If he taunts once outside of the boss adds then he is out,� Gerald said firmly.

Alburet felt his anger start to rise and did his best to stomp it out, �Sure.�

�We only ran one more time after the first run,� Marysue said as they advanced to the first corner. �When the Shieldbearers have their shields up they take a lot less damage. That made each fight take longer. We even wiped on the two bosses that summon adds.�

�Alburet, you�re up,� Gerald said, his voice strained as if he wished Mary hadn�t said what she had.

Smiling broadly, Alburet nodded before turning to Tiny. �Tiny, attack the mob Gerald is attacking after he has hit it twice. Switch targets when he does as well. No taunting unless I tell you to. Got it?�

�As the master says,� Tiny rumbled, gripping his axe tighter.

As Alburet looked around the corner he caught a whisper from Marysue, �My goodness, that voice is frightening.�

�He�s just a lovable attack demon,� Fluffball replied softly with a giggle. �He didn�t let me take a single point of damage while we were farming.�

Alburet ignored the rest and pulled the first group by putting Sap Strength on the Shieldbearer. �Here they come,� he said as he ducked back well behind Gerald.

With the first group Alburet leveled to ten to the congratulations of the others. As he distributed his stat points, Gerald asked, �You don�t mind waiting on your ability until after the run, right?�

Alburet chuckled, �Not in the least actually. I doubt it would make a huge difference and it would take a while to make the trip, so I�ll wait. Shall we continue on?�

They cleared the floor of adds quickly. The mobs were dropping even faster than the previous day. They staged up next to the first boss as Gerald went through his description of the boss for the Franz. �When the adds come in, Tiny will be picking them up. All DPS switches to them and kills them first. He goes berserk at 10% life at which point Alburet, if you could, get Tiny to taunt off me at some point so I don�t die.�

�Hear that Tiny? You get to save Gerald at the end,� Alburet said.

�I will save squishy human,� Tiny replied.

�Anyway, are there any questions?� Gerald asked, a little peeved at being called squishy. When no one replied he turned to Alburet, �I�ll go once you get the buffs up.�

Alburet buffed Gerald who rushed in followed by the others. The fight didn�t take long and Tiny did his job perfectly, collecting each set of adds as they appeared. They did find out why Bob had told Marysue to not heal him the day before, though. When the first set of adds died Marysue had tossed a healing spell to Tiny, damaging him even more and causing him to roar in pain and spin around to find the one who had hurt him. Alburet got Tiny to attack the boss and shook his head at Marysue, who looked shocked but nodded in understanding. Tiny had just a sliver of health when the boss enraged, but Gerald was at full life since he hadn�t been getting pummeled by adds during the fight. Alburet called Tiny to him and away from the boss, not wanting the minion to get killed. The boss died shortly afterwards under the barrage of damage from the party.

�I�m sorry about that, I didn�t know it would hurt him.� Marysue said as she came over.

�I forgot all about Bob telling you not to heal him yesterday, so it�s partially my fault as well.� Alburet said.

Bob snickered, �It�s not like it did any real harm to him.�

Alburet shook his head, �What if we had forgotten about not healing you?� Bob looked away without answering, which prompted a chuckle from Alburet. �So healing spells don�t work for my minions obviously. Makes me hope I get a way to heal them soon.�

�Hey, the loot is a leather helm, +2 Constitution,� Gerald said to get Alburet and Marysue�s attention. �I got a good enough helm from yesterday. So who wants to greed the item?�

All four of the others opted to roll for it, using the pop-up to do so. Alburet found a set of ten sided dice in his hand, making him smile as he knelt down and rolled them as the others had already done. He laughed when his came up as a 1. The others laughed as well. Franz took the helm, his 87 the high roll. �Wow, talk about rolling low,� Alburet joked.

�Says the guy who got a unique set of gloves yesterday,� Gerald said, shaking his head. �I would think that would be enough luck for the first fifty levels.�

�Meh, I took a gamble and it paid off. We doing the Jailer next?� Alburet asked as they left the room.

�That is the plan. If your imp can free the one prisoner again we should be golden,� Gerald replied. �Luckily we had a Trapsmith with us on our second run and he was able to free the one slave. We didn�t get any extra rewards that time, but the DPS with us did. And it does make the fight easier.�

The group decimated the next few packs of trash in short order, pausing outside of the boss area for Gerald to explain the fight to Franz. �Okay Alburet, buff me and in we go.�

�Bob free the one prisoner at the start. Tiny no taunts on this fight.� Alburet said before buffing Gerald to kick the fight off.

The Jailer went down just as easily as before, but Tiny taunted the boss at 5% life giving Gerald the chance to get some life back. Gerald pursed his lips looking from Alburet to Tiny but not saying anything as he looted the boss.

�Tiny? Why did you taunt?� Alburet asked.

�Squishy human Gerald was close to not having enough life to survive, so I saved him. I am ready for your retribution for disobeying you,� Tiny said with stoic calm in the longest speech he�d ever made.

Alburet looked to Gerald, �Any issue with him taunting there?�

Gerald shook his head, �Not about helping make sure I survived, no. I thought they were supposed to obey you, though.�

�I have noticed that as long as they are Content on the happiness scale they do a little more to help out.� Alburet replied with a shrug before turning to Tiny, �As you saved Gerald I will not be punishing you, you did the right thing even if it did go against my order.�

Tiny bowed his head, �Thank you, master.�

Fluffball giggled but shook her head when Alburet raised a brow her way, �It's nothing.�

�The loot is a necklace with +2 Wisdom,� Gerald said holding it up.

Alburet and Franz both rolled to see who would get the necklace. Franz ended up with a 10 much to his dismay until he saw the 1 that Alburet got again. �Ha, dude your dice hate you,� Franz said as he took the necklace and put it on.

�I wonder if anyone sells better dice?� Alburet said out loud, half jokingly.

�Ha, yeah, dice with a +10 modifier,� Franz said, �we could call them crooked dice.� That got a chuckle out of the group as they considered the idea.

�No, �cause then the rogue type classes would have abilities like, �Once a day win any roll with a 100�, called loaded dice.� Alburet said, prompting more laughter.

�Guess you should have been a rogue then,� Franz said, �maybe then you could roll above a 1.�

With that as the last word the group went upstairs to the second floor. Alburet looked at the two bodyguard mobs and pursed his lips before smiling. �Hey Gerald, why don�t we split the group here? Tiny, Bob and Fluff on the one to the right. You, Franz and me on the one to the left. Since they have a linked enraged when one dies we might be able to whittle them down enough in tandem to defeat that mechanic.�

Gerald considered it and nodded, �Good idea. We�ll do it that way. You sure Tiny can hold up for the entire fight?�

�If it looks like his isn�t dropping first I�ll chip in on it. As long as his dies first it should be fine.� Once everyone was ready Alburet put Demonic Retribution on Tiny and Gerald. He could only give one of them Demonic Haze, so he gave it to Gerald. Once the buffs were out Gerald and Tiny rushed up the last few stairs to the two mobs.

Fluffball and Bob killed the mob on Tiny about twenty seconds before the one on Gerald died. �Well done,� Gerald said as they regained their health and mana. �Just the boss left.� He told Franz the mechanics before turning to Alburet. �This one was a bitch with the four casters at the end. We died twice on this boss on our second run. Do you think Tiny can hold up?�

Alburet nodded as his mind worked on the boss fight, �I�m sure he will be fine if we all focus kill the casters in order. If not, me and Fluff can tank a single one each like we did last time.�

Fluffball winced, �I was just getting used to not being pummeled, too.�

�I will not let them harm you,� Tiny told her in his gravelly voice.

Fluffball grinned up at the destroyer, �Ah, thanks big guy.�

�The master likes you, so�� Tiny began and Bob began to laugh.

�Enough,� Alburet said quickly, �let�s get buffed up.� Fluffball was a little pink but smiled a little noting Alburet�s own blush. Alburet didn�t look over at her though, and missed the smile as he tagged Gerald with his two short term buffs. �Okay, we�re ready,� Alburet said.

Gerald led them into the room as he rushed at the goblin. Alburet called out a warning as each poison vial was about to be tossed, which helped Franz and Marysue avoid the ones aimed at them. Tiny stood next to the door waiting to pick up the adds when they spawned. The first set Tiny picked up and held without issue. Alburet was able to renew Demonic Retribution on Tiny during that first phase.

The first set of adds died quickly, allowing the DPS to go back to the boss as Tiny stood beside the door waiting for more adds. Alburet continued to call out poison vials which let Gerald already be in motion when the boss tried to smash one behind Gerald. Gerald called out his thanks as he moved to tank the boss at a new angle.

The tricky transition came up at 50%, with adds coming in and the boss tossing a poison vial at the same time. It was here that the party learned the easy way of dealing with the adds. Alburet had shifted closer to the door as he was buffing Tiny again when the boss hit the 50% mark. Alburet dove out of the way as the vial broke right where he had been standing next to the door. Tiny stepped out of the way as well and was turning to pick up the adds.

As the adds rushed into the room they stepped into the poison cloud and began to cough and choke, their life dropping by the second. Tiny slammed one with his shield and slashed another with his axe, keeping them from moving through for another couple of seconds before he turned to the third add. By the time the two Tiny had hit left the poison cloud they were at 50% of their life. The DPS piled in quickly and killed them in short order as Alburet grinned like a madman.

�At 30% all DPS to the door. Marysue, you as well. We want that poison cloud there for the last set of adds, it fucked them up bad. Order of killing the four casters are the one on the far side from me, then closest to me, then the two who will be in the middle as they�ll take another second or two to clear the poison.� Alburet called out to the others.

They shifted around and were ready when the boss hit 30% and tossed his poison vial at the clump of them. All of them were able to vacate the area without taking damage, leaving the cloud directly in front of the doorway. Alburet laughed as his plan worked flawlessly as they dispersed into the room, away from the cloud. As he had predicted, the next set off adds had to step into the poison cloud and started to cough as their life drained away. Tiny did his best to keep the goblin casters in the cloud as the DPS focused the casters down quickly. The casters each only got a spell or two off before they all died.

Franz, Alburet and Bob stopped casting for a bit to regain some mana, waiting for the last 10%. Tiny joined Fluffball in DPSing the boss down during that time as Marysue dodged the 20% poison vial. At 12% the trio of casters started back up DPSing the boss and waited to see who was going to dodge the last vial as frenzy started. Alburet noted the boss turning towards him and was moving to avoid the last vial before it got to him.

During the frenzy phase Tiny taunted off Gerald at 5%, taking the brunt of the damage while Gerald got healed up some. Gerald taunted back at 2%, as Tiny was taking an absolute beating during that time. The boss died to a cheer from the group as they each checked their pop-up loot. Alburet smiled at the Reinforced Staff he received, which gave a +2 to Constitution and did 40 damage, which was better than the 35 his current staff did. He put it away wanting to use his old staff until it broke before using the new one.

�Good to know the poison can damage the adds,� Gerald chuckled. �That would have made the fight way easier yesterday.�

�Well now we know,� Marysue added, �fast thinking about the last set of adds, Alburet.�

�Once I knew it worked it seemed like the best idea,� Alburet shrugged. �I�m glad it worked, the boss could have easily tossed that vial at Gerald instead.�

Gerald nodded, �Yeah, but the odds were stacked by the door. I�m going to adopt that strategy as well as keeping the idea in mind for future boss fights. Well, we�re done in here. What are your plans, Alburet?�

�Going to farm goblins with Fluffball, unless she runs off on me.� Alburet said as they began to walk out of the dungeon. He noticed that the others all walked along with them, as if they�d forgotten to run since he was walking.

�No, I�m good for a bit yet,� Fluffball replied to Alburet. �Are you going to head off to learn your ability first?�

Grimacing, Alburet shook his head, �Nope. I was told by a captain in the guard to stay out of Stormguard for a couple of days. So it�s going to be at least another day before I go back.�

The others all looked at him weirdly. Marysue spoke up first, �That doesn�t make any sense. Why would an NPC guard captain tell you to stay out of Stormguard?�

�I kind of knocked out one of his guards when I was attacked. Did you know it�s illegal for a Summoner to have demons out inside the city walls?� He asked the question to lead them down a false path about why he�d been attacked.

�So you were attacked and then told to stay away?� Fluffball asked. �What the hell? That doesn�t make any sense. What happened to the guard?�

�He was escorted home and told to take the day off if I recall correctly,� Alburet said with a shrug as the group stepped out of the dungeon.

�You seem to have the oddest stuff happen to you,� Gerald said with a chuckle. �Oh well. We�ll probably be shifting zones tomorrow. If you end up in the same place maybe we can group again.�

�Sounds good.� He waved goodbye to Franz, Marysue and Gerald who went out the fort�s gate. Turning to Fluffball he sent her an invite and they took the front left corner again.

�So you going to stay here for the rest of your time today?� Fluffball asked.

�That�s the plan. I can get a bed to rest in at the fort. It gave me a rested bonus for a few hours when I woke up this morning. So, I�ll probably do that for tonight. Tomorrow morning I�ll duck into Stormguard to see my trainer and see about visiting an armorer to see if I can get any armor better than my buff.�

�So you play every day then?

�Right now it�s the best way for me to spend my days,� Alburet said with a strained smile.

�Oh, right,� Fluffball said, a little embarrassed. �Sorry. I forgot about you having medical issues.�

�It�s okay,� Alburet smiled falsely, a little upset that he was lying to such a nice person. Then again, if he told her the truth it would probably break the NDA that he�d signed. He probably should have asked about that, he sighed inwardly.

�So let�s kill us some more goblins,� Alburet said as he buffed Tiny for the pull.

The next few hours were pleasant as they pulled at a steady pace, chatting about trivial matters. Each of them reached level eleven before Fluffball mentioned she should be going. They headed back to the Stormguard fort to sell off junk, some of which Alburet had held onto for Fluffball as her bag had gotten full. After a round of selling off junk to the merchant and smith, they turned in supplies and armbands for extra coin and rep, as well.

�Oh nice, I just got to Liked with all Stormguard factions,� Fluffball said, bouncing slightly up and down.

�Well done,� Alburet replied, enjoying the view, even though he was glad she hadn't over endowed her avatar. He thought her small b-cup avatar fit the athletic, furry Lunari best. �I hope the rest of your day is pleasant, Fluff.�

Fluffball groomed an ear as she glanced at him then away, before grooming her other ear as she pulled her Homestone from her bag. �Um, would you be interested in company in a few days when I get back to the game again?� she asked, her voice carrying the hints of nervousness.

Alburet let a smile fill his face as he reached out and gently took her hand, turning the back of it up. �It would be my pleasure, Fluff. I'll try not to outpace you too badly before then.� He gently kissed the hand he was holding.

Fluff�s eyes were wide and her cheeks flushed as she nodded slightly. She swallowed, trying to get moisture into her suddenly dry mouth, �That� that sounds grand.� Her hand hovered in the air for a few seconds after Alburet released it before she realized and let it fall to her side. �See you then,� she said before she vanished.

�Ah, she likes you,� Bob smirked. �Setting up to get a piece of tail?�

Alburet burst out laughing, �Not really. I wouldn't turn her down, but she seems like the serious type and I am not in a place for that. Thank you for keeping the biting comments at a minimum today, Bob. Thank you for the exemplary work tanking, Tiny. You are both free to go.� Bob and Tiny vanished in puffs of smoke, leaving Alburet without companions for the first time since this morning.

�If you�re free in a few hours, I would be happy to spar with you.� Sergeant Jasper said from his desk.

�Sounds good. I�ll just go drop my stuff off in the barracks, if that�s okay?� Alburet waited for the Sergeant�s approval before heading up to the barracks. He ate some jerky and drank some wine before heading back downstairs as the debuffs were getting close to the danger zone again.

He spent the next four hours sparring with the guards, before bathing and turning in for the night. As he snuggled into the cot his mind turned to what tomorrow might bring. His dreams were focused once again on Fluff's shyness and Victoria's enigmatic smile.

Alburet

Human Summoner

Level 11

Strength: 16

Agility: 16

Constitution: 25

Intelligence: 32

Wisdom: 41

Charisma: 25

Health: 800

Mana: 960

Spells:

Demon Skin-Rank 2

Demonic Retribution

Summon Least Imp

Fire Blast

Sap Strength

Demonic Haze

Summon Lesser Destroyer

Demonic Vitality

Abilities:

Personal Spells

1 Ability waiting to be trained

Shopping

Alburet woke with the sun just below the horizon to find all the guards awake and getting their gear on. He put on his gloves and boots, having slept in his clothes again, glad that they never seemed to pick up blood or dirt. He returned greetings to those who hailed him as he made his way down the stairs to find Sergeant Jasper waiting for him.

�Feel like breaking your fast with us again this morn?� Jasper asked.

�Be glad to,� Alburet replied, following the Sergeant into the dining room.

After they polished off the food and were sipping the tea, Alburet advised the Sergeant on his plans. �Looks like I�ll be moving on today, Sarge. Going to risk the trip into Stormguard to train and get some better equipment. Once I�ve gotten that all together I�m going to find a more challenging area to test my skills.�

�I got a message from Captain Roberto last night. He suggests you keep your head down if you do head back. It seems the House of Gilden is rather upset with you, for what you did to Private Wilber Gilden.�

�Yeah they Dislike me it seems. I�m sure they�ll forget about me in time,� Alburet replied. �I was going to ask your recommendations for where I should turn my attention for harder prey?�

�Hmm, alone I would suggest continuing south from here. To the south there are a number of orcs that have proven to be a thorn in the side of Stormguard for some time. The problem is, they are technically monsters which means like you two-souled they come back to life all the time. The rest of us have to hope that the gods will smile on us and let us have another chance. If you end up with the people you had with you before, then I would say east. There are a number of goblin encampments that could use a good going over, but they work as more unified teams.�

Alburet pondered the Sergeant�s words as they both dropped off their dishes. �Sarge, does that mean that you only have a chance of coming back to life?�

�Correct. We don�t know why the gods made the world the way it is, but we normal folk can and do die final deaths. No one has figured out how or why it happens, only that it does. Monsters like the goblins and orcs continuously come back to plague the world. Luckily, they never seem to get organized enough to mount major attacks. They only attack isolated places like farms or maybe a really small village. If that ever changes then I would fear for the survival of those of us who aren�t immortal like you.�

�Definitely something to think about, sir. I want to thank you for the generosity you�ve showed me by letting me share space with your men.�

�It was the least I could do, considering you saved the lives of some of the farmers and helped reduce the goblin population even if only for a short time. Would you be willing to trade information, so I can contact you if I need a reminder on any of the techniques you have shown us?� Sergeant Jasper pulled out a Mindstone as he spoke.

Alburet blinked, slightly stunned at the idea of the NPCs being able to use Mindstones. He still pulled his out, touching it to the Sergeant�s. He accepted the pop-up asking if he wanted to add Sergeant John Jasper to his contacts. �Something else learned. Can you also use the Homestones?�

�Of course. Did you think them limited only to the two-souled?�

�I wasn�t sure,� Alburet replied. �Well, I should be going. I look forward to hearing from you in the future, sir. If I�m in the area I�ll stop by and say hello.�

Jasper relieved the on duty Sergeant, taking the seat at the desk. �Please do. In the meantime keep your head down and your nose clean.�

Alburet waved goodbye and activated his Homestone, which instantly teleported him to the graveyard outside the Dead Man Inn. �Nice, no bright lights or disorientation when using the Homestone,� Alburet said to himself as he walked towards the inn.

Inside the door he found the same maid on duty behind the bar. He approached with a smile in place, �Morning to you. Any idea if Stewart is about?�

�Mornin� sir, iffin ya want to have a seat I will let him know ya here,� she replied. She pulled out a Mindstone and concentrated on it for a moment before returning it to a pocket.

Alburet nodded, dropping a silver onto the bar top, �Can I get a pot of tea and two cups as well, please?�

�Right ya are sir,� she scooped up the coin before turning to the kitchen door and yelling his order into the room. She turned back with a handful of copper as his change, �He will be with ya in a moment, sir.�

�Keep the change,� Alburet said with a pleasant smile. �I wasn�t able to leave a tip I was happy with a few days ago. This gesture will make me feel better on that count.�

The small smile she�d had in place since he walked in bloomed into a vibrant smile. �Much obliged sir, will ya be staying with us this eve?�

�Probably, but I won�t know until later,� Alburet replied as he turned towards the hallway which Stewart was coming from. Stewart nodded to him and motioned to a table that he walked towards.

�Looks like business,� Alburet said, getting to his feet. �Just bring the tea over when it�s ready, please.�

�Right, sir,� she replied, her full smile still in place as her eyes trailed after him.

Alburet took a seat across from Stewart, �Morning, Stewart. How have you been?�

Stewart yawned, �I�ve been worse. What can I do for you, Alburet?�

Alburet waited to reply as the maid arrived with a steaming teapot and two cups on a tray, setting it between them on the table. As she turned to walk away, her hip gently brushed Alburet. He glanced back to watch her walk away even as he felt his pulse quicken slightly, before shaking his head and turning back to Stewart. �Oh, yes. I wanted to see what I can learn from you now. Have some tea. I made sure there would be enough for both of us.�

Stewart nodded, pouring himself a cup before Alburet served himself. �If that little interaction with Stacia was enough to cause you to lose concentration, you are going to have some issues soon. That is another matter entirely, though. Yes, I can train you in a further ability.� Stewart sipped the apple spice tea when he finished speaking.

Taking a sip of his own tea, Alburet decided to rise to the bait. �Why would I have troubles later?�

�Your third minion is a succubus,� Stewart replied levelly.

�Yeah, I kind of knew that, but why will that give me issues?�

�They are demons of lust and mind magic. Even the most loyal of them push at their masters for �attention�.� Stewart said the last word with a stress to it.

Alburet drained the last of his first cup and poured another as he considered the implications. �So she�ll try to seduce me is what you�re saying?�

Stewart poured himself the last of the pot before replying, �Possibly, but most of them are much more direct than that. You will understand when you get to summon one.�

Alburet considered the information he was being given and shook his head. Life was going to get interesting real quick if that was the case. No reason to worry about it until it later, though. Still shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside while sipping his tea.

Once they�d finished the tea, the duo walked through the passage that led down to the training room. Stewart took his seat and nudged a book over to Alburet. �You can choose the ability you passed up last time or either of the two new ones available to you now. Just press your hand to the page you want.�

Alburet nodded, glancing at the options. The first was Infernal Fire, which increased fire damage by 10%. He skipped that for now to look at the two new ones. The first was Flame Weapon, which cost a flat 5% of his mana, much as the demons did, to keep active. It added 25% weapon damage as fire damage, so a sword that did base 100 damage would do 100 damage plus 25 fire damage counted as a single strike when being mitigated by armor. The other ability choice was a lot more complicated; Heavenly Summoner, which would completely change most of his spells and abilities.

Heavenly Summoner: All demon minions are replaced by angels. All spells changed to reflect your new affinity. If you choose this ability you will need to go to a different trainer to continue with your class choices. All spells of demonic nature will be changed to reflect your new angelic affinity. Fire Blast becomes Holy Bolt, Demon Skin becomes Angel�s Blessing, Demonic Retribution becomes Angelic Radiance. You will lose access to your current summoned minions and have to select new minions with the new trainer.

Alburet paused, taking in this twist he never saw coming. �I can get angels instead?�

Stewart grimaced in distaste, �Yes, you can join the other side. A lot of two-souled have taken that option, saying that their demons were not helping them. What they don�t take into account is how the angels demand you behave to keep them happy. Like to carouse or ask for payment to help others? If you do, then your angels will become very unhappy indeed.�

�Well, that pretty much makes my choice then. While Bob might be an annoying little shit at times, I like him. Guess that means I won�t be taking Heavenly Summoner anytime soon.� He touched the ability Flame Weapon and confirmed it, �There we go, choice made.�

�Unless you�ve raised your strength you won�t be able to get the raw damage at this level to really make use of that ability,� Stewart said with a shrug,

Alburet chuckled, �I�m going shopping next to pick up the best weapon I can afford, something like a heavy maul perhaps.�

Stewart looked puzzled, his brow furrowing, �Did you put points into strength?�

�Nope, just found a nifty set of gloves is all,� Alburet said, holding out a hand. �I can use any weapon regardless of strength now.�

Stewart, who had been leaning back in his chair, went over backwards before scrambling to his feet. �You have found the gloves and the boots? Where are you finding these pieces?�

�First set I got from Vladimir at the royal auction house for an old, old book. The gloves I got from a mystery box that was at the Stormguard fort as a bonus for rescuing some farmers who had been captured.�

�Wait, what do you mean you got them from a mystery box?� Stewart began but Alburet waved him off.

�What I said, the quartermaster had a box in his stores that he didn't know the contents of. Instead of taking the risk of opening the box himself he offered it up as an option for a reward. I took the box and found these beauties.�

�Interesting. You are indeed not following the same path of most other two-souled Summoners. So what are your plans exactly?�

�Going to go get a worthwhile weapon, hit up a shop for food and drink then probably head back out. Nothing else here in town to really keep me.�

Alburet said his goodbyes a moment later as Stewart had nothing to add. Using the portal, he found himself in the graveyard again and started walking towards Grimgar's Weaponry.

While he walked, he looked over his new spell, Demonic Vitality. Mana cost: 100. Duration: 1 minute. Restores 5 health every second. To use this spell touch your fist to the target while saying the words �Demonic Vitality.� Alburet paused to change the spell so that he touched his target with the extended pointer and pinky fingers of one hand with the others curled along with the words �Burning blood.�

As Alburet walked towards Grimgar�s he felt an itch begin between his shoulder blades, as if he were being watched. He spotted a bench just down the street and strolled over to it. He took a seat and rolled his head around as if stretching out his neck muscles. As he did, he narrowed his eyes to seem as if he had them closed and he took a look down both directions of the street. He didn�t see anything appearing out of the ordinary so he leaned back on the bench and arched his back, letting his vertebrae pop. Letting out a deep sigh he sat forward, hunching his shoulders and twisting his torso slightly to make sure he was flexible. As he got back to his feet he glanced both directions before again heading onward towards his destination.

He hadn�t spotted anything to explain why his hackles were up or the itch between his shoulders. The last time he had felt like this was five years ago when an inmate had tried to shank him while he had been responding to a medical call into medium security. That had been pretty ugly all told, between him being stabbed by his attacker and the ensuing fight before the other guards had gotten there. Nothing happened though as he made it to Grimgar�s and entered, the jingle of the bell above the door announcing his presence.

�Ah, back again are ye?� Grimgar said with a smile, �What can I do fer ye today?�

Alburet felt the tightness in his shoulder ease up some at Grimgar�s greeting. �I�ve come to get a better weapon. I�ve grown beyond the goblin fort, so it�s time to move on to my next hunting grounds.�

�Gud fer ye lad,� Grimgar chuckled. �Well, and how many points did ye allocate into strength?�

�Not a single one, but I can use anything you have, Grimgar. Show me the best damage weapon you have for five gold, please.�

�Aich tha� be somethin� ye can�t use. Me best weapon fer five gold would require at least a fifty strength. As a Summoner ye would be a right fool to have done tha�. Ye last had a five strength, which would leave ye with staves as ye best bet.�

Alburet held out his gloved hand, �Check the equipment then tell me that, Grimgar.�

Grimgar frowned but touched the glove, reading the status information. His eyes widened. �Bloody hell lad. I�ll be right back.� Grimgar went into the back, returning with a heavy maul which he set on the counter. �This be the best flat damage I have fer what ye asked. The Hardened Steel Maul, it does a flat two hundred damage. It has no other stats, which is what makes it so cheap.�

Hardened Steel Heavy Maul

200 Damage

400/400 Durability

Alburet dropped his five gold onto the counter and hefted the maul as if it were a toothpick. �I�ll take it. Do you have a way to attach it to my back that won�t interfere with my pack?�

Grimgar brought out a sling for the weapon that attached directly to the pack. �There ye go lad. Just do me a favor and if anyone asks were ye get ye stuff send them me way, righ�?�

�It would be a pleasure, Grimgar. You�ve treated me well both times now. I thank you and wish you a pleasant day. I need to go find some provisions for my trip next.�

�There be a provisioner two streets down from here,� Grimgar told Alburet.

They exchanged goodbyes and Alburet exited to the street. A pop up appeared as he left the shop.

You are now Liked by Grimgar Smith.

Clearing the pop-up away, he started walking the direction Grimgar had pointed him. A few minutes later he felt the same itch between his shoulders again. Checking the street as if looking for the right shop, Alburet couldn�t see anyone that might be watching him. Foot traffic was starting to pick up now that the day was really getting under way which made spotting a watcher even harder. He stayed wary all the way to the next shop, but the trip was uneventful.

�Welcome to Pablo�s Provisions. What kind of food are you looking for?� A very tanned individual stood behind a counter right next to the door. His features screamed Latin descent to Alburet, who nodded to him in greeting.

�What would you recommend for say, a week�s worth of food that needs to be able to keep for a month or longer?�

�Hard tack is the easy answer to that, but it tastes horrible. If you have the coin, the Elvish Waybread is a fantastic option as well as being tasty. Even the most foolhardy, besides dwarves, stay away from the Stonebread though. We have a pretty good selection of hard cheeses, dried fruit and jerky to help round things out as well. It really depends on how much you want to spend.�

Alburet nodded, �I am not averse to spending a gold on the right food and beverages for a week.�

Pablo grinned, �Well then, did you want to pick it out or did you want me to assemble a selection for you?�

�By all means do your best for me, please,� Alburet said with a small bow.

�Hah, a two-souled with manners,� Pablo chuckled as he came around the counter, pulling several packages from the shelves lining the shop. He stacked them on the counter, �Alright come and see what you�re buying.� Pablo pointed out the seven different cheeses and jerky to be paired together along with a few small bags of dried fruit. Alburet nodded at the selection. �I see you are happy with the food, which is good, so now let�s move onto the beverages.� Seven glass flasks were lined up on the counter. Each held a day�s worth of different types of tea. �Will these suffice?�

�Done,� Alburet dropped a gold onto the counter and packed the supplies into his satchel. �Many thanks to you, Pablo. Next time I need more I�ll be sure to come see you.�

Pablo thanked him for his business as Alburet left the shop. Alburet started walking back towards the Dead Man Inn, thinking lunch was a good idea before heading out into the wilds. As he walked the itch between his shoulder blades returned, stronger than it had been. The certainty that he was being stalked loomed over him. Alburet ducked into the next alley, sprinting for the end of it, side stepping out to hide against the wall next to the alley. He stood there controlling his breathing as he waited. No one appeared behind him, and after ten minutes he glanced down the alley to see it empty. The itch was still with him though the ominous feeling had abated somewhat. Stepping away from the wall he headed out in a fast walk towards the portal guild, which was closer than the inn.

Alburet hated the feeling of being watched and stalked, hated feeling like prey. He made it to the building and as soon as he entered the feeling of being watched and stalked vanished instantly. Stopping, he took a deep breath and straightened up. He hadn�t realized he�d been slightly hunched as he hurried here. He glanced around seeing others waiting in the lounge area watching him with smirks, as well as the receptionist looking at him with a smile.

The receptionist was the same one he�d met before. �Welcome back sir, where would you like to go today?�

�I was told about a goblin problem further east from the goblin fort. What would be the best destination for me to help thin out the goblins there?� He did his best to smile, but his nerves were still slightly wound up from his ordeal.

�The Stormguard fort isn�t a bad idea, the goblin encampments are a few hours past the goblin fort in that area. There was a village out there and we can still send you there, but that would place you firmly in contested territory with no friendly people around.� Her tone gave the impression that the second option was for the foolhardy.

�Thank you,� Alburet said. �I would like to go to the fort then. A few hours of walking are worth not being completely surrounded.�

�The fee is one gold if you are going alone, sir. If you join the group currently waiting they can get five silver each refunded and your price would be fifty silver.� She indicated a large man in chain as she spoke.

Alburet thanked her before strolling over to the lounge area, �Excuse me, please.� He addressed the large man the receptionist had pointed out, �I�m going to go off to the goblin area and the receptionist said you already have a group for that portal. If I join up with you, she would be refunding you each five silver.�

The large, black bearded man sneered at Alburet, �No thanks, we�re good. Five silver is nothing. We also don't need a useless caster with us.�

�Thanks for the consideration, fucking useless meat,� Alburet�s words were clipped and harsh.

The large man and three others all cut from the same over-muscled mold stood up together. �Stupid casters should know their place,� the large man growled in reply.

At that moment the portal master came hurrying over, �Gentlemen, we don�t condone fights here and your portal is ready. Please, follow me. Any conflicts started here will cause you to be banned from the premises for a day.�

Alburet glanced at the portal master then to the four men before stepping away. �I apologize, portal master. It wasn�t my intent to cause a scene.� Even with his rage bubbling Alburet did his best to be civil, bowing to the portal master.

The portal master nodded and ushered away the four fighters, who were openly sneering at Alburet as they trailed after the man. Alburet clenched his hands making his knuckles pop, his face hard as he watched them go. As they disappeared up the stairs, a small cough caught his attention. A very short, petite, black haired woman got his attention, �Oafs, am I right?�

Alburet felt his anger ebb. The woman before him embodied the word cute. Her hair was a short bob cut which framed her heart shaped face. He met her green eyes before replying, �Yes. I�m sorry if I caused you any inconvenience with that scene. I need to set up for a portal, if you will excuse me.�

The woman held up a hand, �You�re going to the east. I couldn�t help overhearing. Why not go with me to the ruined village? I was going to try and solo it but I would be happy to have another along.�

Alburet considered for a moment, taking in the black leathers and daggers the woman wore. �What flavor of rogue are you?�

She chuckled, �The leather and daggers, right? Assassin is my trade, to answer your question. What kind of caster are you that you use a heavy maul?�

Alburet's lips twitched into a small smile, �Summoner.�

Sucking in air through her teeth the woman winced, �A strength build Summoner? Oh, that has to be a rough road. You interested in joining me?�

At Alburet's nod she sent him an invite, letting him see her name, �Thank you for being so kind, Karen.�

�Let�s advise the receptionist that we�re grouped and get the discount, shall we Albert?� Karen said, walking to the desk.

Alburet winced, �It�s Al-Burr-Et, actually. Yes, let�s.�

Karen glanced back, her eyes sparkling, �Oh, so serious about your name I see. This might be fun.�

The receptionist looked up as they approached, �Can I help you?�

�We made a group for the destination I asked for earlier, can I get some cash back?� Karen asked politely but bluntly.

The receptionist nodded, �Of course. Your refund will be half a gold. Your fee is one and a half gold, sir.�

Alburet placed the amount on the desk, �What�s the cost for just one person, if I may ask?�

�Two golds,� the receptionist said as handed fifty silver to Karen. �There is your discount. You are the next group to go, if you will just give the portal mage a moment.�

Alburet nodded and set another gold on the counter, �For you. Both times I�ve been here you have been exemplary in your service. I will tip the mage as well, even though I know you pool and split them here.�

The receptionist�s smile went from a polite, business-like expression, to one more real that showed off a dimple. �My thanks, sir. If there is anything else we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.�

Alburet gave a small nod of his head before turning to see Karen watching him with crooked lips and a raised brow. �So you like the ladies, it seems,� Karen said with a chuckle. �I�ll have to keep that in mind if anything amazing drops while we hunt.�

Alburet snorted softly, �We shall see.� He motioned towards the waiting area, �Ladies first.�

Smirk becoming more pronounced, Karen turned towards the lounge, �I always thought that rule was so the guy could watch the woman�s ass as she walked in front of him.� She started walking with a sexy sway to her hips, �Am I right?�

Alburet laughed, �You very well may be right. I always say it though as I consider myself a gentleman.� He did let his eyes follow her, though, nodding in appreciation at the way the leather hugged her curves. She was one of the rare few who hadn�t gotten carried away at character creation it seemed. Alburet had already noted her small bust that was perfectly suited for her small frame, with her hips flaring just enough to give the impression of an hourglass figure without exaggerating it.

Just as she reached the seating area she glanced back, catching his eyes track up her back to her face. �Well, you didn�t wolf whistle, so I guess I can call you a gentleman for now.�

�A gentleman always notices when a lady is making the effort. It would have been rude of me not to take note of your charms when you obviously wanted me to.�

�Touch�,� she replied. �I think I�m going to like working with you. So how are the angels treating you at level eleven?�

�Don�t know, didn�t take them,� Alburet remarked. �I�m good with my demons. You�ll probably love Bob.�

�You named one of your demons Bob?� The sheer incredulity in Karen's voice made Alburet chuckle.

�Yes. Bob the Mighty and Tiny the Fearsome are my current minions. I�ll summon them as soon as we portal.�

�Excuse me, your portal is ready. If you will follow me,� the same portal mage from earlier stood there waiting.

�I think this is going to be more fun than I had thought I was going to find today,� Karen said out loud before turning to the portal mage. �After you, Jeeves.�

The mage bowed slightly and lead them up the stairs. As they passed the receptionist she turned to them, �Good hunting to you, sir.�

Alburet tipped an imaginary hat to her with a smile as he went by. He saw the portal mage glance back with a raised brow. A moment later they were shown to a different door than the one he had used before. Inside was a rune, glowing blue. �Step into the rune and you are set to go,� the mage said, stepping to one side.

Karen stepped onto the rune and vanished. Alburet paused at the edge of the rune. �For you, sir. The receptionist already got the exact same from me.� Alburet handed over another gold, figuring higher levels would get him more anyway so might as well see if he could get the NPCs to like him quicker this way.

The mage accepted the coin with a smile. �Thank you for your generosity sir. Next time you come in ask for me by name, Rolland.�

�I�ll do my best to remember that, Rolland. Have a pleasant day.� Alburet again tipped an imaginary hat as he stepped onto the rune.