Chapter 60 - Unexpected developments (2/2)
”I would do the same if we were actually able to do it. But, with the trouble a bunch of level 7 monsters gave us, I doubt we will fare any better as these were the first monsters on the quest. It would only get worse as we go further along the path.”
”I thank you for your concern and will take your advice under consideration,” replied Shadow in response. Blue rolled his eyes understanding that Shadow Tyrant wouldn't stop pursuing. He already knew that Shadow didn't put complete effort or used any of his special skills when he fought the monkeys.
With that he left on the way back to the Blackrock village with his team. In the meantime, he decided to scout the forest on the right side of the path while the rest of the team waited for Merlin and whomever he was bringing.
He quickly went into stealth and started exploring the forest. He already knew what kind of monsters to expect and also how to escape or kill them in case of an ambush. The first kind of monsters he came into contact was the monkeys. He soon found their lair. He also found a few fanged antelopes and cougars, but didn't engage any of them. He only wanted to check if he could come across any treasure chests.
A few minutes later, he was contacted by Merlin who had already reached the rest of the team. He decided to return to the team and then go to the monsters and clear the forest. As he reached back to the location where he left the team, he saw the new member named Tetsujin beside Merlin.
”Hi, I am Shadow,” he introduced himself to the new guy. Tetsujin had already covered himself completely in plate armor. He also wore the tonfas that Merlin wanted to sell on his back.
”This is Tetsujin. He is also a veteran. He used to be a berserker before vita-nova. He decided to try the new occupation for this game,” said Merlin introducing Tetsujin to him.
”Hi,” said Tetsujin shaking his hand. ”Merlin sold me this skill book. He tells me that you managed to obtain this as a reward for you quest and didn't want to use it as you already know how to throw knives,” said Tetsujin looking at Shadow Tyrant's belt which held throwing knives. He had a very mellow and pleasant voice.
”You got those from the same quest?” he asked pointing at the belt.
”No, a different one.”
”Well, I came to Blackrock village to meet you mainly. Moreover, Merlin gave me these and asked me to accompany you guys for a while in return,” continued Tetsujin pulling out the tonfas.
”You weren't spawned directly in the Blackrock village?” asked Quiet Fire in a confused manner. ”How can you roam around in the wild if you didn't spawn here directly.” She had a valid doubt. If the village wasn't the one in which they had been sent to on their first log in, they would be re-spawning at their original village on death. Players hardly ever did that on a quest.
”No. He came to the portal at the dungeon, went out of the Blackrock hills and registered at the village. He can choose to respawn here if he likes,” said Merlin clarifying his cousin's doubts.
”You can do that?” asked Quiet Fire shocked.
”Yes, sadly we can only get back to the teleportation point only at Blackrock village from the dungeon. We don't have that option, but everyone else in the light faction are given a chance to move here,” said Merlin.
”Yes, when he opened the 'Cave of Wargs', the village became a common meeting point for all the players in the light faction. How else would your cousin be able to sell me that skill for such a high cost,” added Tetsujin.
”Yes, you unexpectedly made the village a hub for exchanges and trades without even meaning to. This isn't something any of us have foreseen. More guilds will be joining soon,” said Merlin.
”More people who reached level 5 already would be registering at the village allowing thirty percent to be level 5 and opening up the credit exchange faster than other villages. Also, once it reaches 50% we would even have the auction house opening. That is why many players are using the dungeon portal just to come to the village,” said Tetsujin.
”That is a great thing, isn't it,” said Quiet Fire excited. The prospect of an auction house opening so fast would excite anyone.
”It has its advantage but a lot more guilds will be coming to the village and competing against resources. They will tend to purchase most weapons and consumables here, reducing our chances to procure them. It has its drawbacks,” said Shadow.
Unlike the rest he had a less than optimistic view about this development. The guilds will all definitely use this chance and the more equipment and weapons they get to trade, the stronger they will get and be able to reach the city faster. This would throw a monkey wrench into his plans.
He contacted Rudra to inform him but found that he was already attempting the dungeon and also Slaine was already going to the Blackrock village to register.
”We need to clear this quest as soon as possible. This unexpected development will cause more people to come here. We better get to work,” he said to his team.
”Tetsujin, I intend to clear a few monsters for this quest. Once, we have an increase in level, we intend to attempt hell mode of Cave of Wargs,” said Shadow. ”Do you intend to accompany us till the dungeon?” he asked Tetsujin.
”Hell mode!? You sure you can complete it? I don't want to waste my time,” replied Tetsujin with a question.
”I am sure. I just want the rest of the team to reach level 6 before we attempt it and we can clear the hell mode with just the six of us. But if you join us, it would be faster and I don't want to leave anything to chance concerning a first clear,” answered Shadow.
Tetsujin couldn't understand how the guy could be so confident in assuming that he could clear hell mode when everyone else couldn't even clear the elite mode. But he did come here on invitation of Merlin and it wouldn't be right to give up before he even tried. So, he agreed immediately to accompany them for now.
Merlin also understood what Tetsujin was thinking. He knew that Tetsujin was the kind who always wanted to be the toughest and liked to do stuff that had others looking at him in awe. He already acquainted him with Shadow. Whether Shadow manages to successfully recruit Tetsujin was not his concern nor could he influence Tetsujin. He left that entirely to Shadow Tyrant.