Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 3 Scheming a thousand years too soon
Previously on Realm of Myths and Legends...
"That’s..." Izroth’s gaze was drawn to a particular sword in the center of the weapon rack. It appeared desolate, lacking a hilt, with a blade about two meters in length. A faint chill, almost imperceptible unless one focused, emanated from it – the aura of killing intent!
Izroth felt a surge of surprise that such an item was present. Unbeknownst to him, he had activated a hidden feature for the Combat Master class in the game! Having created an A-rank skill and being the very first Combat Master to successfully complete his tutorial, the AI managing RML felt compelled to offer a fitting reward.
As Izroth’s hand made contact with the sword, a system alert chimed.
Ding! You have selected the ’Nameless Blade’... Displaying stats...
Weapon Name: Nameless Blade
Weapon Rank: Rare
Weapon Level: 10
Requirements: Become the first Combat Master to create a sword skill that is ranked A or higher.
Attack Damage: 30
Weapon Skill: Sword Force (Active) - Wielding this blade allows control over sword force, amplifying your next attack’s damage by 200%.
Cooldown: 2 minutes
"Powerful!" This was Izroth’s immediate thought. The sword was truly monstrous, and it was a Rare item! Likely the very first Rare weapon in the game! Izroth recalled from the absorbed memories that selling this weapon would make him incredibly wealthy, enough for his mother to cease her triple shifts. However, he recognized that such a path might hinder his ability to keep pace with other progressing players. He desired to build a more substantial foundation, not something that could easily crumble.
"Just wait a little longer... I promise I won’t let you suffer much more," Izroth vowed, his expression growing serious.
Ding! Do you wish to claim ’Nameless Blade’ as your weapon?
Without even considering the other weapons, Izroth promptly replied, "Yes."
Ding! Congratulations, ’Nameless Blade’ has been sent to your inventory.
Ding! As no primary weapon is currently equipped, the system is automatically equipping ’Nameless Blade’...
Abruptly, a sheathed blade materialized on Izroth’s back, appearing as if conjured from thin air.
"Congratulations on completing the Combat Master tutorial, Izroth. Given your evident talent, accept this." Gear presented Izroth with a worn, old book.
"While you possess the ability to create skills yourself, you can also acquire them through skill books. This particular skill is one I personally crafted during my prime. Use it wisely, as it was merely gathering dust otherwise." Gear’s words suggested he was discarding a trivial item, but when Izroth examined the skill within the book, his eyes widened in astonishment.
Skill Name: Flickering Steps
Skill Creator: Gear
Skill Level: 1/3
Skill Rank: A
Active - For the next 10 seconds, the user’s Agility is increased by 300%.
Cooldown: 5 minutes
Description: A skill devised by the renowned adventurer, Gear of the Flickering Steps. His signature technique enabled him to evade all attacks on the battlefield, leaving only a fleeting silhouette before an enemy was swiftly vanquished.
What a formidable skill! Despite Gear’s casual demeanor, this skill was an extraordinary treasure! A 300% boost to Agility could undoubtedly be a lifesaver in numerous critical situations!
Izroth offered a respectful, fist-and-palm salute to Gear. "Esteemed elder, I am deeply grateful for this invaluable treasure. Your generosity will never be forgotten."
"Hahaha, no need to thank me, young man. Give credit to your own talent. After all, I wouldn’t bestow such a skill upon just anyone lacking potential. Very well, you’ve lingered here long enough. Go forth and explore the world, Izroth. Remember, determination and willpower can overcome a multitude of obstacles."
Gear departed the room, with Izroth following closely behind. The legendary adventurer resumed his customary position, leaning against the dilapidated building walls, a flask in hand. Few would ever suspect that this individual was once a celebrated adventurer! Considering the vastness of RML, this spoke volumes about the old man’s true strength!
Izroth inclined his head towards Gear before exiting the building.
Ding! Congratulations, you have completed the Combat Master tutorial!
Ding! You have been awarded 50 EXP!
Ding! As the first Combat Master to complete the tutorial, you receive 10 World Fame!
Such a whirlwind of events had transpired in the past few hours that Izroth hadn’t had the opportunity to thoroughly review his character information. He took a moment to examine his status.
Name: Izroth
EXP: 50/200
Level: 2 (Stat Points: 3)
Title: None
Class: Combat Master
HP (Hit Points): 200/200
Energy: 100
ATK (Attack): 70 (40+30)
DEFENSE (DEF): 20
AGILITY (AGI): 20
MAGIC (MAG): 0
Gear Equipped:
Nameless Blade - Main Weapon
Skills: (Skill Points: 1)
Breaker of Limits (Passive) Level: MAXED (S Class)
First Baneful Sword (Active) - Level 1/3 (Class A)
Flickering Steps (Active) - Level 1/3 (Class A)
Inventory: Gold: 0 Silver: 0 Bronze: 50
Empty
Fame:
World Fame: 110
"For the moment, I'll save my stat and skill points. Skill points are quite difficult to obtain, so I must consider carefully before spending them. For now, the priority is to level up and earn some currency."
Izroth made up his mind, then closed his character window. He walked towards the village exit and onto the plains. A forest lay a short distance beyond the plains, but venturing there carried the risk of encountering higher-level monsters and beasts.
As Izroth proceeded toward the forest's edge, a man named Mick observed him, his gaze fixed on the weapon slung across Izroth's back. It emanated a faint, rare glow, a characteristic of only exceptional weapons! How could such a weapon possibly be found in this dilapidated starting village?!
"What's wrong, Mick?" another man emerged from a nearby building, noticing Mick's intense stare at a passerby.
"Ryder, I think I've just stumbled upon a little side quest for us," a slight smirk formed on Mick's lips.
"A side quest? Do those even exist in this rundown starter village? I'm eager to leave this place as soon as possible and gain some real experience, skills, and gear," commented a woman who exited the building alongside Ryder.
"Heh, trust me on this, Tina. If we pull this off, we'll be rolling in riches!" Mick exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
The trio were friends in real life who had formed a party. They were preparing to venture out and hunt monsters in the forest. Each had already reached level 5, equipped with their starter weapons and possessing beginner class skills. Mick was a Warrior, Ryder a Rogue, and Tina a Cleric. While their party composition was decent, it lacked a magic-user.
"Hey, you! Wait a moment. Are you heading towards the forest? How about we team up? After all, there are some high-level monsters there," Mick said, approaching Izroth with a smile.
Ryder and Tina initially appeared startled, but upon noticing the weapon on Izroth's back, they understood Mick's intentions. Exchanging glances, a subtle, mischievous grin flashed across their faces before they quickly masked it with a 'friendly smile' as they walked towards Izroth.
"Yeah, you should join us. We're missing a spellcaster, but... since we can't find one, we're willing to invite you and share all loot equally," Ryder added, attempting to further entice Izroth. He knew that with three of them against one of him, if Izroth sensed their true motives or felt unfairly treated, they could miss out on a significant opportunity!
"Indeed, you seem quite strong. Our party would only become more capable with your inclusion," Tina chimed in, flashing a dazzling smile. She was attractive, with a well-proportioned figure. She subtly adjusted her posture, leaning forward slightly and tilting her head, aiming to appear more alluring to Izroth.
Izroth halted, assessing the individuals who had approached him. While he might have been uncertain about many aspects of this game and world, the instincts of a veteran gamer resided within him. Coupled with millennia of enduring hardships, navigating intricate plots, and facing cunning schemes, it was nearly impossible to deceive him without meticulous planning and flawless execution.
Izroth decided to play along with their scheme. After all, he doubted many others possessed his caliber of advantages so early in the game.
"Party? Is that like a group gathering or something?" Izroth feigned ignorance.
A spark ignited in Mick's eyes; this was going to be easier than taking candy from a child! A similar gleam appeared in Ryder and Tina's eyes – this fellow was undoubtedly a novice! Perhaps he was just some wealthy individual drawn to RML without any real gaming knowledge! A perfect target!
"Yes, it's something like that. We collaborate as a team, fighting monsters to complete quests or gain experience. We'd be more than happy to guide you through some things. Naturally, we'll still divide everything equally and fairly with you," Mick maintained his facade with that amiable smile.
Izroth appeared to be contemplating his decision, as if weighing a difficult choice.
"Alright, I'd be glad to join your party. I'll be in your care." Izroth began a slight bow, but before he could complete the gesture, a system notification appeared!
Ding! Player Mick has invited you to join a party with Player Ryder and Player Tina! Do you accept?
"Accept." Izroth replied, joining the party. His teammates' levels, HP, and MP/Energy were now visible on his interface.
Mick, Ryder, and Tina were all level 5!
"A warrior, a rogue, and a cleric, you say...? All level 5... I might need to exercise some caution," Izroth mused internally. While he possessed self-confidence, confronting three opponents simultaneously who were more than twice his level would undoubtedly present a challenge.
Player Name: Mick
Class: Warrior
Level: 5
HP: 450
MP: 50
Player Name: Ryder
Class: Rogue
Level: 5
HP: 225
Energy: 100
Player Name: Tina
Class: Cleric
Level: 5
HP: 150
MP: 300
Player Name: Izroth
Class: Combat Master
Level: 2
HP: 200
Energy: 100
The moment the others registered Izroth's level and class, they were unsure whether to pity him or erupt in mocking laughter. A Combat Master! And at only level 2! Forget taking candy from a baby; this would be easier than drinking water and breathing air!
A look of disdain flickered across all their faces, a sight Izroth noticed but chose to disregard.
They had initially considered him a minor potential threat, but that notion vanished entirely. Reaching level 2 was already impressive, likely due to the rare weapon sheathed on his back! They absolutely had to acquire it!
Mick, having partially recovered from his initial shock, reverted to his affable demeanor. "Level 2 is quite remarkable for a Combat Master; you must possess considerable talent." Ryder and Tina feigned agreement, attempting to curry favor with Izroth, though the unconcealed contempt in their eyes was palpable.
"Alright, Izroth, isn't it? I'm Mick, this is Ryder, and that's Tina. We've already covered introductions via the party interface, so we should get to leveling up," Mick stated, seemingly impatient to move on.
Izroth offered a nod of agreement, appearing entirely oblivious to the underlying situation.
Mick, accompanied by Ryder and Tina, proceeded towards the forest, taking the lead. Frankly, they didn't anticipate any significant contribution from Izroth; their primary interest was his sword. His position within the group, whether at the front or rear, held little importance. Yet, inexplicably, the trio felt a subtle chill emanating from behind them, as if an ancient, formidable beast was poised to strike.
A wave of cold sweat broke out on their backs before they turned around, only to find Izroth still standing there, his expression unchanged. It had to be their imagination, perhaps a powerful monster lurking nearby, observing their entry into the forest. However, such creatures typically refrained from attacking so early, likely merely a presence meant to instill unease.
A faint smirk touched Izroth's lips as he reflected, "Mere mortals who fail to grasp the vastness of the world. You dare to plot against me? Very well, but know this: I show no mercy to schemers! You are a millennium too early with your plans!" A fleeting, icy glint sharpened his eyes.
They finally entered the monster-infested woods!
*Ding!* Player Izroth has discovered a new location: 'Willowed Forest'!
*Ding!* Player Izroth has left the safe zone and is now vulnerable to attack!