Thread: It's not just a game anymore (Eternally Chaotic x Averavic)

The sounds of the streets resounded with the joy's and woes of it's people. It had been a week since the game had begun to show signs of the inability to log out. Though the outside world wasn't made aware of it until even more recently. Given the nature of the Full dive system it wasn't uncommon for people to stay within the games worlds for days at a time. The full dive system slowed the body's biological needs to a crawl putting them into a hibernation like sleep. This was a safety precaution for those more 'extreme' gamers, and considering many people now days were able to fund themselves entirely through such games it allowed people to make a living. This however caused the alert system for the inability to log out to slow until the moderators and such were trapped inside as well turned into regular players. Disconnected from the outside world the red flag had been raised and now people were panicking. Many had turned to drinking there worries away, others were venting frustrations in many more 'physical' ways. Given the nature of the game killing things was one such way. Though as some had found out the world had become vastly more dangerous in the past few days. Monsters that had predictable attack patterns no longer attacked like they had once had. They now acted more like players, and while the pain sensation was still quite there, it seemed it had been increased to what the admins who were able to spread the word said pain levels were set to ninety nine point nine percent, meaning that everyone felt everything as they would in real life. The protection against death remained and people could respawn after death but many felt the lingering sting and fear of death after it happened. Causing the 'adventurers' to be severely be cut as many feared the pain of death and dismemberment. While the profession and crafters increased dramatically. This did cause a influx in the market for a few days but it seemed at least for the City of First Travels, the economy had stabilized. In truth the economy of the earlier city's were booming, with the new players that came in without the fear of death they were able to quest and trade the materials they found for the crafters. Not only that the higher levels who feared death and the challenge that came with facing it had returned to these earlier area's and farmed materials and became sort of suppliers making a profit. Then there were the others, who many called insane. The clicking sounds of heels upon the cobble street belonged to one such soul. Racing through the crowded streets a small cloaked figure dashed at impressive speed. Whipping around people leaving many who weren't paying attention with a mere flicker of red. The sounds of panic as people checked there inventory's ensuring nothing had been stolen. Such speeds often only belonged to those going for thief or assassin builds, yet nothing had been stolen thus many who had been passed by thought the latter. A feeling of safety at that knowledge, as long as they didn't enable pvp inside the city they couldn't be killed. Those who did however would not be so lucky. However the figure was no a assassin. Hidden under her cloak her weapon was concealed in a inactive state at her hip. The figure whipped around person after person causing a little havoc as she went. Like a little ninja she shot around someone into the door of a building. The building in question happened to be the adventurers guild. Sitting at one of the many windows behind a large counter was a young elven woman who was filing her nails awaiting for anyone who still went out into the wilds to return to turn in quests. The cloaked figure made a B-line for the elf, yet fate had cruel... cruel... plans for her. The moment she had gotten into range she leaped at the elf aiming to fling herself through the window and over the counter at her. Yet a very loud 'thud' said otherwise as the poor cloaked figure slammed face first into a barrier. Painfully sliding down onto the floor, the Elf had jumped at the sound as did many others who were in the guild hall. The Elf leaned ove the counter looking down at the poor twitching girl below her. You know, you think you would learn after the last four times you rammed into it that your not getting through the window Ms. Rose... No matter how much you would like to 'glomp' me. Anyways I assume you finished your entire quest log again? The Elf said in quite the monotone voice, she didn't hate the girl, she was just... Odd... A fair bit too happy given the current state of things and what was worse, a little too energetic. It didn't take the one the Elf had called Ms. Rose to bounce back. Hopping up and dusting herself off, tossing back the hood revealing a Young woman with vibrant long red hair adorn with rose hair clips, and bright silver eyes. Beaming from ear to ear she smiled at the Elf. She didn't look like a adventurer, she wore clothes more similar to that of a noble NPC then a adventurer. Though if one were to inspect her they would find her in possession of many powerful items, or rather unique for such a low level. Her clothes were called Cloth of the Saint A soulbound item, which in this world were unique items bound to a person, they leveled up with the character making them wonderful leveling items. They were often got from the cash shop or promotions. Some higher grade ones such as the Cloth of the Saint were item drops from high level monsters. They were there to encourage use even at the top tier and as a subtle hint to the higher level players to invite friends to the game and help them level with soulbound equipment. Ms. Rose had such a person though since they had been cut off she hadn't seen them since she was trapped inside, but she wasn't worried, figuring they would meet up sooner or later. Well Ms. Attendant Reili you said yesterday that either my head would break or the barrier would one of these days. So I though I would test it! So I got a running start from just outside the city's gates and ran all the way here at top speed! Guess I needed to pick up a bit more speed! I will not give up I will get through the barrier mark my words! I have Determination! Ms. Rose said with boundless confidence in her voice making the Elf Reili sigh and shake her head, face palming hard enough to make a slapping sound as her palm smacked against her fore head. Looking at the grinning girl Reili couldn't help but smile, even if she was trying to tackle her, she had to admire the girls spirit and tenacity, especially when your slamming yourself against a barrier daily. I am sure you do Ruby, now let me see your journal and I will get together the quest rewards for this trip and put in the new set of quests for you. I am sure your eager to go explore the town with today's 'spoils of battle.' Just make sure you go to a restaurant of a tavern to eat ok? I don't want to hear about you blowing up another kitchen. Reili said shaking her head at the girl. Ruby simply beamed and opened her inventory holding out her hand materializing it. The inventory system was done purely in a persons mind allowing privacy of what they had on there person. With journal in hand she sat it in Reili's hand. Alright! I won't try to cook again! Besides the Cooking guild has already banned me from using any kitchens in the city. I am going to also going to take a shower and actually get a tavern room tonight! I almost got eaten by a Revazaur last night! Ruby said with a laugh as Reili dropped the book on the counter, and a few adventures spat out there drink or choked on some food. A Revazaur was a level forty five monster, that shouldn't be anywhere near the City of First Travels. This was big news, while yes Ruby's questing area was about a full days round trip including questing time encountering a Revazaur was not something she should of encountered! The most pressing question on Reili's mind was how in the gods green earth she survived! Revazaurs were known for there speed and tenacity for hunting down prey. Reili thought Ruby had wandered into yet another high level zone instead of her questing area and barely survived. Reaching over the counter grabbing her by the cloak and shaking her. YOU IDIOT! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO DO GET YOURSELF KILLED, HOW IN HELL DID YOU 'ALMOST GET EATEN BY A REVAZAUR' AT THE EDGES OF TEL'BORA JUNGLES! THEY ONLY SPAWN ON THE FAR SIDE OF THAT PLACE! Reili yelled at Ruby shaking the laughing girl who seemed to not take this seriously in the least bit. Despite the fact the thing could of easily torn her to bits and she would of experienced being eaten alive. But Reili it was hurt and it seemed to be lost! I was on the right side of the jungles! Besides it tried to attack me before I went to bed so I was ok! Ruby said with a laugh as Reili stopped shaking her and thought. It was hurt and seemed lost? A sigh of relief escaped her lips and she began to laugh releasing ruby. The Ravazaur she encountered was a rare spawn known as the Lost Ravazaur A level twenty five monster. While still higher level then Ruby, the girl wasn't a push over and Reili knew that well enough. I am so relieved... So what did it drop anyways? Reili said grabbing the journal and beginning her work putting the journal into a sphere that looked like it was made of water. It seemed to be reading the magical imprint on the journal ensuring all the quests were completed correctly. Ruby opened her inventory again and materialized a giant egg that was bigger then her head. It dropped this! I was going to ask you if you could identify it. Ruby said with a childish glee eager to find out the item she got. Many rare items needed to be identified before they could be used, and that was part of the adventurer's guild's job. Setting it down on the counter Reili while the sphere read and recorded the completed quests as well as added the new ones opened a drawer pulling out a monocle. Holding it to her eye she began identifying it. A smirk crossed her face, Well congratulations Ruby, you found yourself a companion egg. It doesn't say what companion is inside as it's random but once that hatches you will have a pet. Reili told her as she put away the monocle. Ruby put away her egg back into her inventory. Trembling with excitement she couldn't wait for it to hatch, what was it? What would it be like? What kind of powers would it have!? Only a ding spoiled her moment and kept her from bouncing about in joy at the idea of having a pet. Reili reached over grabbing the journal and handing it back. All done Ruby, your quest rewards are deposited into your inventory and the new quests have been added to your journal. Now get going enjoy the rest of your day your clogging up my window. Reili said jokingly to Ruby, who only smiled and tossed her hood back over her head. Taking her journal and returning it to her inventory. Taking stock for a moment to see the funds she had and sort her inventory a bit. Then with a wave Ruby left lost in organizing her inventory, running into the corner of the door hissing before taking a step to her right and out the door. Finishing up her organization she grinned at the prospect of even more gold coming her way now to go find Velera who should be at her shop in the upper markets. She would be happy to buy all the crafting materials she had gathered. Ruby headed off at a steady jog, she was quick still bounding along like a deer. Her speed was her pride, considering she had maxed her dexterity for her level and had the rest of the points in str. Leaving her con, int, wis, fairly low, so she looked to have low hp and mp stats giving the illusion she was a lower level then she was. Ruby was level twenty three, though her hp and mp states suggested she was more around level three. However anyone attacking her would find three issues with that assumption. One hitting her would be a real problem, and even if they hit her, due to her dex her armor rating was pretty high. The third thing was if she hit, she hit hard. Her weapon choice was a Dex weapon, that only got boosts from str stats so that was why she focused on both of those. Ruby was a fighter who relied on speed and power a all out offensive type that ignored defense in favor of overwhelming attacking power. Considering the state of the game right now she was quite rare. As everyone was so afraid of death they built themselves like brick shit houses. With only the casters and archers focusing on there attack stats and healing stats. Speaking of magic however, due to her stats magic attacks were where she was weak against. While single target magic that didn't hone in on her were easy to avoid aoe spells were not. Heading into the upper markets she decided to take a short cut through a alley, turning the corner she found a wall in the center of the alley. It wasn't uncommon sadly, the city was built like this to help deter low level thieves from stealing. As many didn't have the dex to scale the wall. Ruby however did and could scale this wall with ease even if it was over ten feet tall. Ruby however stopped for a moment hearing voices on the far side. What the hell do you two want? Curious as to what was going on Ruby listened in, feeling a bit guilty for ease dropping but the lady's tone seemed quite unhappy. The dwarf chuckled as he pulled his mighty axe from it's sling propping it up beside him waving it a bit showing how easy he could move it as a bit of a threat of how fast he could swing it given motive. What do we want? Well lass didn't me laddie here tell ya? We want to 'help' you out. See lass with people being unable to log out the price of living even in these low level places has become quite pricey for those unwilling to risk life and limb out there with the monsters and pretty little healers like ya self are quite valued. Walking around with ya twigs and pretty little robes. See people are paying quite a pretty penny ta get there hands on a lass like yourself. So I guess you could call us a 'mercenary' group and we are offering you a invitation to join our guild out of the 'kindness' of our hearts. The dwarf laughed as 'Bennie' approached grabbing the head of her staff with his hand using his impressive strength, a alert for Alexia showed he was using a ability 'snatch' he was a thief. As it was a forceful snatch his strength would allow him the power to rip her staff from her hands tossing it to the side. Getting in close, uncomfortably so putting his finger tips under her chin. A wicked grin on his face suggesting his plots. Come now you don't want to fight, we would hate to bruise that pre- Bennie spoke his tone rougher and not so 'charming' as before. From the far side of the wall Ruby knew things were not going well for lady. Stepping away from the wall she looked back and forth between the walls of the alley. Licking her lips she activated 'Agility' that came with high dex, giving a rather large bar four times as long as her health and mana. Ruby jumped at the wall to her left kicking off with impressive force, using the walls to spring herself up to the top of the wall. Landing quietly atop of it, she sat down atop the wall in time to see Alexia's staff flung against the wall. Ruby sat quietly unhooking a gun like object, quietly to herself she clicked a switch causing the gun to shift to a sort of club or mace like appearance. Gripping the bottom of handle it slid down with the sound of metal on metal making a shink sound extending to the length of a staff. Bennie froze a the metal slid down the side of his throat alerting him to someone there. Slowly and stiffly he looked up. Hi-o! You red heart boys don't learn do ya? How many times do I got's to tell ya, stop bullying the newbies! Ruby said with a cheery tone gently swinging the staff back and forth tapping his neck. He swallowed hard, and his dwarven friend seemed quite fearful. These two knew Ruby, so did there entire little group. Over the past week she had caused a few of them to experience death. Earning her the nickname the Rose Executioner, given her user name and weapon choice. W... We were just messing no har- Bennie spoke his voice shaky but suddenly the blades extended out of the staff making a crescent moon shape. This was no staff it was a scythe. The blades were translucent and red just as the staff part of it was. The blade pressed against his neck as Ruby held up a finger. Tsk, tsk, tsk, you know the rules! The City of First Travels, Thieves, bandits, pkers, and the like found within the city's walls are to be treated like hostile mobs and eliminating players who break the rules earns a Hunters reward from the adventurer's guild! Reili promised if I got rid of ten of people like you for the guild she will make me two batches of Mint chocolate chip cookies! TWO! With special sugar and in a bag that keeps them as if they were fresh out of the oven! Not like I wouldn't do it anyways! But well, sorry back to the respawn room with you, let this be a lessen to ya! Ruby said in such a cheery voice clearly as she had always before not taken this seriously as she put her full strength stat that was likely double Bennies and jerked up. The crimson blade of the scythe cleaved through his neck. A 'crit' showed up in front of his neck as a red '-112' appeared as his head rolled off his head to the feet of his dwarven companion. From Bennies decapitated body blood spurted splattering Alexia with blood as his body collapsed backwards from the force of Ruby removing his head. His blood gushed and pooled around his body from his cut artery. The cut was clean so much so Bennie was still alive! R... Run... His head spoke it's final words. The Dwarf was stunned shaking in his boots. You know I will never get used to people doing that. I mean I remember from the history channel that when you cute off someones head they can still be alive for a few seconds but it's still odd to see. Within a few seconds Bennie's body shattered into glowing participles sending him back to the respawn point. Floating in the air was a medallion in the shape of a wolfs head. Ruby hopped down from her perch with a click of her heels snatching the medallion. Yoink! Well one down one to go! Ruby said with a bit of drool running down her cheek as she thought of cookies! Mint chocolate chip cookies were her drug! Her kryptonite! The dwarf watching his friend shatter and vanish knew as soon as she said 'one to go' she meant him. The dwarf turned to run, but he was a con and str character he was slow, meant for bulky combat rather then fleeing. Ruby didn't move as she watched him try to run. Ability activate quick switch! Ruby said in a humming tone as her mp bar was reduced by ten points her scythe's blade quickly retracting as did the staff it's self. The weapon returned to the first form a wrist mounted hand cannon. Ruby took aim and fired a single shot. Once again thanks to her high crit and the dwarf having his back to them, Ruby had a hundred percent crit chance on such a low level. The crit flashed and a red '-253' except there was no hole only a grunt and a very loud beeping. Mmm that shouldn't happen he should have a hole- Ruby said aloud before she was cut off by a loud long beep then a click. Within seconds the Dwarf imploded coating the entire alleyway with blood showing the two of them . Oh curse it all! I forgot to unload my explosive shot, man thats twenty silver a shot! Those things aren't cheep! Using it on a low level... Such a waste.... And now im all dirty, Velera's going to make me stand out back her shop again... Don't get blood on my things Ruby! Why are you covered in blood Ruby! You did what Ruby!? Those were real people Ruby! Im going to be in store for another lecture... I should go take a bath first to avoid that... Ruby grumbled before snatching her medallion out of the air. On lookers stared wide eyed as Ruby pretty much killed the two in cold blood without so much as a flinch. To her they were just monsters, mobs to be killed for rewards. She didn't really understand the concept of separating npc's from real people even more so now that it was hard to tell the difference anyways. Turning back to Alexia, she clicked her weapon removing her arm from it and holstering the weapon again. If nothing else to show she wasn't hostile to her. Oddly people tended to think she was after she did stuff like that, she never really understood. You alright Ms? You should be a bit more careful. Those Red Heart mercenary's are a pretty nasty bunch from what I have heard. I mean all the ones I have met have been bullying or tricking people from the first three city's in this region and carting them off someplace and ain't nobody seen them since. Rumor has it with the mods and all the new items being made they found a way to make players slaves. Which spoiler alert would SUCK! So whatcha doing in a alleyway any ways? Seems like just asking for trouble! Also why are you covered in blood? Oh, wait I caused that didn't I! Hahaha, ya I always forget what ammo I have loaded in, it causes some trouble. At least this time I didn't shoot something point blank with the explosive ammo. That stuff really hurts when you blow stuff up in your face. Though luckily for me I have Explosive resistance rank 2, so it hurts less! Ruby greeted Alexia and began to rattle on. She seemed creepily positive and in quite the good mood despite blowing someone into chunks that had already vanished. The blood stains on the walls were cleaning themselves up but the blood on either of them remained. To clean themselves they would have to bathe and wash there clothes. Ruby grinned looking her over, able to tell even through the blood that she was a low level. Turning to Alexia's staff she moved over to it pushing her foot under it and kicking it up catching it in the hair. Turning back she tossed it to Alexia. I guess I should apologize for getting you dirty. I was going to get a Inn room for tonight would you like to come along to use the bath to get cleaned up? I will get your robes cleaned while were at it. Ruby offered with a wide grin. The sound of a bath would likely be appealing given the fact that Alexia was covered in dwarf blood, as it would sound nice to get clear for anyone sane. Ruby's nameplate above her head was green indicating she had done a service and was liked by the City of First Travels, showing that her actions were approved by the system even if they were rather extreme. Ruby waited for Alexia's answer curious if she would have a companion for the night.