Volume 1 Chapter 4 (1/2)
Dreadful Weed
The civilization of the Versailles Continent dawned approxio Back then, Huether
Domen with deft hands served as midwives to baby Orcs Orcs in infancy were christened by elven women, and human woether, each co
The elf rangers gathered fruit from trees, the dwarf crafterswith the Orc warriors As deadly monsters abound in the world, the weak had no choice but to rely on one another to survive
Orcs, who greithin two or three years, were fine warriors by nature Born with unnatural strength and a battle instinct, they sustained the elves and humans
The Orcs claimed the leadershi+p of the four races both in name and reality as no other race could keep up with the fertility and combat skills of the Orcs
However, when hu plants and aniradually challenged the supremacy of the Orcs
The elves, who learned eleant and began to distance thenorant
The dwarves advanced eneration of weaponry to brave the Orcs
The alliance of the four races was disreements and bouts of jealousy
The hudoms, on rich soil
The elves moved to the Forest of No Return where the ele the doic widely
The Orcs dispersed all over the wilderness and virgin soil, hunting the wild and distressing the civilized as they wished, enjoying combat without restraint
The dwarves stayed holed up in thetheir crafts
Inevitably, huued over scarce food, and the elves and the dwarves loathed each other in a struggle to secure preeminence in the Natural world
This is the history of the Versailles Continent, the forgotten myth of four races
The ruh the Citadel of Serabourg
It was about a beast who had been swinging a wooden sword at a scarecroordlessly for four consecutive weeks in the Training Hall
the wooden sword in silence His strikes at the scarecroed no mercy Every time the wooden sword sliced the scarecrow, a heavy sound exploded
In the earlier days, he was content with barely grazing the scarecrow As his strength and agility increased steadily, though, the wooden sword had been gathering force
“Is he really a user?”
“Do you think he’s a real man? Slim chance”
“Look at him I bet he’s not”
“Could it be an NPC?”
“Given his sudden appearance…”
“He should be an NPC connected to a quest!”
The eyes of soloith enthusiasm and a bunch of users offered food andif he was a quest NPC Too proud to be treated as a beggar, Weed declined them, but they were persistent
“Co else? Just tell o find it”
“Don’t you think a steel sword is definitely better than this wooden sword? I can give you a long sword, and it’ll come in handy”
They trailed after Weed in the hope that he ht introduce theh, because Weed repeatedly denied being an NPC, and shooed the Oddly, this rather strengthened their conviction
“He’s not accepting any gift”
“Who can hit the scarecrow not only one or two days, but for four weeks in a row?”
“And he’s a big friend of the instructor…!”
The instructor, who had always looked down upon users as a nuisance, was nice to Weed, going so far as sharing lunch with him every day To the public, Weed didn’t look like a human
The only way to tell users from NPCs is when they come out with their identity This hy Weed caused h level users saw through Weed’s intentions to ith and other stats They came near and were nice to hi full well he was a user
“If you join my clan, ill support you to save your disappointment”
“We will sponsor you until you hit level one hundred Nothing spared”
Royal Road has a concept of clans or guilds like other online gaer picture
Eh-level rankers is to enthrone an Emperor in their midst—to found their own empire on the Versailles Continent, and rule over all creation
With taxes collected monthly, feudal lords and ranaries and blacksmiths’ workshops in towns under their supervision, or throw in money to enlist recruits and train them well
Given a ruler who administers the affairs of state, the econoical innovation leads to better weaponry produced by blacksmiths, and the size of a city depends on its public security and sanitation
In laying down national and regional policies and setting up diplo on the top of a pyrareater authority than anyone else
Kings encourage cities and fortresses to expand in their dorants who become subject to their rule Besides internal affairs, there is war
If and when sos engage in battle with each other under the coenerals
Layman users in the position of subjects des are wise and just Therefore, the cities where they reside will grow oods will be more dynaame
Still, Weed declined all the clan offers
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Strength rises by 1 point (+1 STR)
Agility rises by 1 point (+1 AGI)
Vitality rises by 1 point (+1 VIT)
Fame rises by 20 point (+20 FAME)
Life rises by 100 point (+100 HP)
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The wooden sword had not shown any sign of pausing suddenly stopped in mid-air Then Weed closed his eyes
“I’ve ame’s time flow, Weed had i Hall To his surprise, he earned a little fame—never hurts to have some fame
The rocery stores or blacks or negotiating with NPCs
The instructor, who had been watching him pleasantly at a distance, walked up to Weed and said,
“Good job, Weed-nim”
“Thank you, sir”
“I didn’t expect you would come so far Yet you overcame my prejudice I a, Honorable Instructor”
“Haha! You’re absolutely right” The instructor laughed heartily
Weed knew froh a simple word could lift up the instructor
The instructor handed a sword to Weed
“What’s this sword…?”
“It is yours This sword is awarded to a ra…”
A question suddenly occurred to Weed
He had learned by accident that he could i a wooden sword at a scarecrow in the Training Hall
While co about it in a forum run by a couple of sing up his stats as an seriously
Weed had good reason for it, though he conceded that it ht sound inefficient to invest four weeks to improve his stats slowly one by one
As far as other users were concerned, they would rather waste less lime to acquire an iteht, “it isn’t the sathen the botto one”
As good luck would have it, you inal stats will be the saardless of whatever items you are equipped with Suppose you rise forty points in strength, and iine what it will be like when you wear a +50 STR necklace
The stats that Weed had drilled in the Training Hall would help hia of the instructor’s remark and finally asked, “Do you knoby now?”
“Sixteen here,” the instructor answered immediately
He added,
“The Continent is vast, Weed-niners who finished the basic training prograe, nobody has finished the basic training as fast as you did”
Thirty-eight hundred people! Weed’s eyes flashed fire
“They are my potential rivals”
His next question broke a briefDo you provide a higher level of training program?”
“I don’t, but there are other places”
“Where are they?”
“I do not knohere they are located I heard they were open only to those ere destined to find them You must finish a basic level to be qualified for the next level of training”
“Thank you for the information, Honorable Instructor”
“Don’tHall When he turned to leave, the instructor called to him
“Weed-nim, do you have a plan?”
“Excuse me, sir?”
“An expeditionary force is scheduled to depart for the Lair of Litvart a week froue of mine is the commander of the force His na to do for nohy don’t you lend your sword to him?”
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A Clean-up Operation in the Lair of Litvart
Rosenhei from theTheodarren, righteous and benevolent ruler of Rosenheiht, Sir Midvale, to explore the Lair of Litvart and root out monsters Eradicate the monsters in the Lair of Litvart with Sir Midvale and his soldiers
Difficulty: E
Quest requirement:
Failed if you are killed
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The instructor’s proposal was a ladly The Rosenheianized, hard-trained soldiers The average level for infantryenerally speaking
In particular, those knights with their own nahts Their levels lie between levels 180-220 This size of force can clear away any lair without complication The Lair of Litvart is not at all likely to be an exception
According to Weed’s research, the Lair of Litvart was infested by kobolds at levels in the twenties and goblins in the 50s
All Weed needed to do after he joined the force on the mission was to stay alive, whether he actively look part in a battle or not It was a golden opportunity that was offered to hioodwill But Weed shook his head
“I am sorry, sir”
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You have declined the quest
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“No way What is troubling you, Weed-ni I just don’t have a class yet”
“O ht! I acted too rashly Visit me any time you please I will let you know if I can recommend a quest that is suitable to you”
The instructor had not only reached level two hundred, but also kept in contact with the soldiers ere trained by him In other words, he had established his own network in the Royal Army
Still, the instructor’s relatively hu officials
Suddenly, the instructor asked in a low voice,
“Weed-nim, have you chosen what class you want to convert to?”
“I auild, and see what class they recoives counsel to users, depending on their stats and skills
In the early stage, uild classifies theroups—combat classes ( uild unveils hidden classes Very rare, indeed
“I a you this only because you are… a trustworthy man who refused the opportunity to convert to such a trashy class as sculptor Telltaken up the engraving knife?”
“No way, sir! Sculptor, I won’t take it no matter what”
“Humph, I have never told this to anyone else… you are the first man Come closer”
The instructor’s voice dropped to a quiet oose bumps when the Orc-like instructor’s breath brushed over his face, but he kept his disgust in check
“You are looking for a fine class I will show you the way Have you heard of Rodriguez the Sage?”
“Yes, sir”
“Go visit hi knowledgeable in all things He will tell you what profession suits you best, uild But…”
“…?”
“The catch is the Counselor is a queer fish Worse enough, you never knohere he will hop next He’s ill-natured, naughty and narrow-minded”
“…”
“You can’t see hi to you in the first place But if you give this to him, he will do you a favor, only once”
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Item: Queen Evane’s Handkerchief
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“Thank you, Honorable Instructor”
“Not at all I feel rather responsible for your decision because I can’t deny that ht sculptors I pray to Freya that you will get a fine class Beware of Counselor Rodriguez He knows no shame, so you should not tell him what you want until he speaks to you”
When Weed made his farewells to the instructor on the way out of the Training Hall, a towering iant’s naantic sword
“Are you leaving now?”
“Yes”
“H?”
“I’ll first find a class, and then I’ll work hard to raise my level”
”I’m sure you will make it to the top very fast I haven’t seen anyone as steadfast as you in online gah I am, you are literally a man of steel”
Python was a warrior at level 288
He had learned a new skill, so he had co Hall to experiment with it
When he arrived at the hall, it was croith a flood of users, all of whoathered to observe Weed
Python was also a ot Weed mixed up with a NPC, but when Python, squeezed by the crowd, overheard that a user could i the scarecrow right next to Weed
The force that was released fro
With a few more users who had participated in the show, Python had unintentionally diverted public attention from Weed
For the last week, Python was the only user who Weed had spoken to so far
“Thank you for your co forward to it! The day we run across each other You won’t disappoint me, will you?”
“You’ll be disappointed”
“Huh?”
“With your weakness, I’ine”
“Fahahahaha”
Python laughed aloud As his level was in the high 280s, he ranked aest and was treated with respect everywhere he went He was intrigued by Weed, who couldremarks to the powerful
Python’s eyes narrowed a littleforward to it”
“Take care”
Weed said goodbye to hie
“Rodriguez the Sage, the Star of Wisdouidance as to what class I should get,” he told hiuez was located in the northern section of the Citadel of Serabourg, and soldiers were on the watch, circling the ate, two soldiers called out for hier?”
“I a for hi Hall entrusted me with”
“It’s too bad I understand you have business to be taken care of, but the Counselor does not expect anyone with such little fame,” the soldier answered in a matter-of-fact tone
“But I have an article the instructor asked me to deliver to the Counselor in person”
“It is none of hness just because you have so for him?”
“…”
In short, it requires an impressive reputation, or cos or nobles and Weed’s fame was only 20, far too low to enter the Counselor’s manor
“I personally know the instructor in the Training Hall very well He once trained me with his own hands Still, I can’t permit your entry to the manor”
“If you insist on that, a as I don’t enter the uards were perplexed by Weed’s question “Make yourself clear, traveler”
“I’ if you e to come out?”
“Not at all” The soldier added indifferently, “The Street is open to everyone”
Weed nodded slightly
“Thank you for your per your pardon?”
“I’ you this because you’re an acquaintance of the instructor – the Counselor often locks himself in the manor for a week or so Especially when an unwelcome visitor knocks on the door, he will definitely keep it shut Are you still willing to wait for hi three times to recruit hi a new dynasty in south-western China Reminded of the famous episode, Weed nodded
“Yup”
Weed squatted across froe any second He souards, and quickly learned that the instructor ell respected a the lower ranks
“A hthood, he is now fully qualified for one”
Meanwhile, the night deepened and the Sage’s manor darkened
“I’d be a liar if I said I expected to get what I want on the first day He can’t hide inside forever”
Weed found it futile to uard over the manor because the Counselor was asleep He withdrew froht intensifies the brutality of er by half, and yield an extra thirty percent of EXPs This provokes a heightened attention froht marked Weed’s first adventure away from the Citadel On a wide-open field a bunch of users ran after foxes, rabbits and raccoons, a scene created by newbies, who I can use as a weapon…?”
He took out the iron sword given by the instructor, and held it tight
“Item stat ”
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Hard Iron Sword:
Durability: 54/54
Dae: 10-14
Awarded to those who co sword is better than basic type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop
Equip:
+10 STR
Requirement:
STR 40+
VIT 35+
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The sword given by the instructor was one of the finest available to Weed He swung it a few times, realized that its balance was ideal, and felt comfortable with it Weed checked the other weapon
“Engraving Knife Stat!”
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Zahab’s Engraving Knife:
Durability: 984/1000
Da knife, specifically built for delicate workmanshi+p This knife is very sharp
Equip: Increases your chances of scoring a critical hit
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The engraving knife dealt e than the hard iron sword, but Weed chose the latter For one thing, it was longer, thus reaching farther With the engraving knife, he felt it tricky to work on the eneknife didn’t wear down easily, thanks to its high durability This advantage transferred to Weed, who had obtained the repair skill, and the hard steel sword provided more opportunities to sharpen the repair skill because it was co frequent o” Weed swung his iron sword about “Raccoons, foxes, wolves, bring it on I’ll take all of you down”
The —
“Excusein silence
“Are you alone?” Weed turned around He saw a cute-looking girl right in front of him She wore a cotton hat and bluish leather arirl,” he said to himself
“Yes, It’s only me” Weed lowered his tone
“Do you want to join us for a hunting e, a cleric, an archer and a monk”
Weed looked over her shoulder before he answered There were two girls in robes and a ured out why they had asked a stranger to join their party
Those users were all ‘squishi+es’ wearing clothes and leather ar piece—a tanker ould provide protection for them
It’s not a bad deal It’s my first battle, and it’s probably better to start off in a party Always better safe than sorry, he thought
Weed readily consented,
“Sounds good to me”
“Thank you”
Weed quickly joined the party
“Nice to see you I a and divine power protection expertise”
“I’e, name’s Romuna Mainly deal with the eleirls introduced themselves first, and then it was the man’s turn He studied Weed’s face with curiosity before he spoke
”I’ solo on night hunting like that”
“Hehe, I’m Surka, level 7 monk”
They told him their names and levels, and noas Weed’s turn
“Name’s Weed Level 3”
“…”
A quiet shock swept over the others
Pale plucked up courage and asked,
“And what’re you equipped with?”
“All I’ve got is this sword”
“…”
Down to the last dust in his pocket, Weed only had five silvers Fine leather armor, other than disposables, cost thirty silvers
Weed had not bothered with ordinary quests, so he didn’t even have enough money to purchase leather armor
“And your class is…?”
“Undecided,”
Weed answered, shaking his head dubiously He sensed soh he could not pinpoint why
“Gosh!+” Pale finally sucked in a breath He looked couess it’s up to you to take your ti what the best class is for you… By the way, it looked like you were hunting alone Is it your first tiame”
“I see Why am I not surprised to hear that?”
At Weed’s frank response, Irene and Ro eyes Their looks said that she had picked the wrong guy
Lv 3, class: Undecided
As if that were not bad enough, this shabby-looking kid was a newbie in virtual reality
Lack of experience usually proves fatal when confronted by a monster in your first battle You simply lose your calm, lose your reason, and then lose your life, in that order
They were aware of this because they had been through their share of newbie-hood
These aniinners within reach of the Citadel, are still cole player
“Whew… I think we’re kind of in trouble”
Pale didn’t knohat to say and ht in order to save everyone from discomfort
“I’ll leave the party if you think I’ll do ood”
“I’ed her etically At the second look, she saearing basic GIs
“I thought he was strong ’cause he had an iron sword Geez, where did he get that sword? It looks awfully good…” She said to herself
Weed broke away from the part and headed to the field alone Pale and Surka felt guilty having disowned him
“What should we do now? Look for a replacement?”
Replace on supply on the Versailles Continent was users, and monsters were short in supply
“Look, we already shook hands with hiht?”
“I guess so, but…”
“Let’s give it a try”
They caught up with Weed He was busy staring at a bunch of rabbits and raccoons that were hopping about He was ignorant of e they could inflict and what pattern they would use to attack
Pale asked, “Excuse me, if you’re still interested, ant you in”
“I have a low level If you’re okay with it, I want to play with you guys,” Weed said cautiously
“Well, we’re cool We are now a team You don’t need to exert yourself on the front, and if you feel like it, you can stay behind us”
Pale suggested Weed take cover instead of taking an active role in hunting In their eyes, he was no more than a pure newbie
“Are you sure about it?”
“Yes You can’t collect asyour party dohen you’reless contribution, but your priority at this point is raising your level Listen, level three to level six h they’re only three levels apart If you’re at level three and add all stat bonus points in strength, you’ll get twenty-five I have forty Add to it ten bonus points in the course of converting to a class, and the gap between you and me widens drastically”
“…”