Under the clear blue sky, the tall green grass swayed as if dancing to the melodious rhythm of the wuthering winds.
Among this dancing grass, a lone rabbit hopped along the tall whiskers of grass before coming to a stop and nibbling on a particular herb it stumbled upon.
It sniffed the air, its ears raised in case of any predator that was lurking.
Finally, after confirming it was safe, the rabbit lowered its head and began to eat.
SWOOOOSH!!
A flash of the silver shone through the air.
A tiny throwing knife the size of an index finger flew narrowly past the rabbit's head.
CHUNK!!
In a fright, the rabbit jolted upwards and dashed away into the grass.
"Damnit! Even after hours I can't get one!" an annoyed voice called out from the grass.
The source of this thought was Crow as he revealed himself nearly 20ft (6 meters) away from his crouching position in the tall grass.
The boy walked over and plucked up the small throwing knife.
"Goddamnit! How am I supposed to pay back that guy like this? But, even if I do get a kill will its body disappear like before?"
Then Crow's mind flashed with a thought, 'Wait a minute… no, because if that was the case, then how would her body still be...'
He gazed down at the knife in his hand and thought back to the hog he faced off the day before, 'Then why did it happen for me?..'
'Huhh…' the boy sighed to himself as he stored his knife and ventured on.
After what felt like hours and hours of walking, Crow ventured onward unsure of where exactly, thanks to trying to escape from that player.
Even after a new day the sky was beginning to tint once more, and he felt like he was no closer to town, 'Looks like I'll have to find a place to rest soon. Sigh, I really wish I had a bed, even one covered in grime…'
The boy gazed up at the tranquil blue sky, his eyes now slightly dimmed, 'It's been 2 days since coming out here, am I… really gonna live in this world?'
He spread his hands out and ran it through the tall grass beside him , 'What does that mean for my body in the real world?..'
Yet, as Crow walked a crippling sensation came over him.
One so paralyzing and so fear inducing, he felt his breath slow.
'Huh?'
He gazed around, yet besides the rustling green grass and the tinted orange sky where the quiet winds blew there were no other sounds.
'Strange…'
Crow came to a stop, cautiously looking around for anything out of the ordinary.
'It's one thing for it to be quiet, yet… there's no sound at all. Not even insects.'
Yet as time ticked by for about 5 minutes it seemed like even the wind grew quiet as if paralyzed by the atmosphere.
There was nothing out of the ordinary yet, but Crow trusting his senses still chose not to take a step forward until he figured out-
'There!' he screamed in his mind.
A flash of yellow.
No, it wasn't a flash.
It was 2 slim orbs with black slits staring right at him, yet scary of all is that hidden between the tall grass, those slim yellow orbs were twice the size of his head, leaving it up to the imagination to decipher the true size of this beast.
Crow held his breath, holding eye contact with this creature's who's gaze seemed to hold an archaic wisdom.
The 2 held eye contact for what seemed like centuries, yet as the sky's comforting warm glow began to further dim, the cold choke on Crow's body grew ever-tighter.
BUM
BUM BUM
The boy could feel his every heartbeat slamming against his chest, trying its best to calm his nerves as sweat pooled down his entire face.
RUSTLE.
Finally Crow moved, taking a single step back.
Yet it was no sudden movement; it was one in which he slowly lifted his leg while bringing it back, talking about 1 minute just for a single footstep.
Another minute passed and he took another footstep, and the process repeated all until he had taken nearly 50 steps away, and by now the sky was giving off its last hues of purple warmth.
By now Crow felt that suffocating feeling had alleviated but now he had no hesitation in his mind, he chose the exact opposition direction and sprinted off, making sure to get as far as possible before nightfall.
By the grace of whatever power was watching the boy finally found his way to the village gate just as the last sparks of light went out, revealing the 2 guards stationed.
They looked inquisitively at the boy who came to the entrance and stumbled onto all 4's gasping for breath.
They both gave each other a look, as shaky handedly Crow revealed his exploration pass to the 2 guards.
The 2 clicked their teeth upon seeing it expired, but seeing the state of the boy they knew he didn't have it easy.
So begrudgingly, they let him in.
Crow slumped through the streets, hit by intense exhaustion yet having seen the acts of cruelty that occurred here on these streets he knew better than to rest here.
Finally, he made his way to his location and let out 3 firm knocks on the door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
KLACK
The sound of unlocking came from the other side to reveal a waist height cloaked figure, yet one who gave off an intimidating aura all the same.
"You're back."
It was a matter of fact statement, not one of delight or surprise. Merely as it was.
"Yes, I'm back-"
Yet, before he could finish he was interrupted, "Let me see the spoils of your hunt."
Crow smiled dryly, "I… I have no-"
He was interrupted once more, "Then let me get the items I gave you back."
The boy could only inwardly sigh as he took out the throwing knife.
Yet, as he did so the man's gruffy voice called out, "And take out the other one you have too."
Crow's eyes widened as he looked at the man whose crimson eyes stared blankly at him from underneath the robe.
"O-Okay." The boy slowly took out the dagger as well, causing the robed figure to take a step forward and snatch both items out of Crow's hands.
"Hmmmm…" the robed figure was in deep thought.
Crow stood there in silence as the robed figure analyzed the dagger and contemplated in silence.
Memories of that player being incinerated flashed through the boy's mind, keeping him stuck in place.
After 10 minutes, the robed figure spoke up again, "This isn't enough to pay your debt."
Crow's heart pounded, 'Damn, I expected as much, but even then with nowhere else to go I wouldn't have been able to go far in this town while in debt to this… individual. Let's see what he wants.'
"How can I pay off this debt?"
The robed figure's eyes analyzed the boy, the figure lifted his arm and poked at the boy's skinny bicep, a trace of disgust shone in his eyes, "Weak."
Crow gave a dry smile, "O-okay-"
"You'll work for me from now on, miss a single day and I'll sell you as a slave. Every day you'll man the front of the store. I'll take care of 1 meal a day and you'll have your own room, but you'll receive no pay."
The words spoken by the robed figure came out so quickly it was shocking, yet Crow held on to every detail, his eyes widening and his body nearly collapsing onto the floor in exhaustion and relief, yet he continued to stand up straight and he lowered his head and let out a quiet, "Thank you."
The robed figure simply walked away as if not hearing him and Crow tagged along behind.
That night the robed figure showed the boy around the shop.
There were 2 floors of the shop with the 1st floor being for work and the top floor being the bedrooms.
Regarding the 1st floor it was standard for a weapon's shop.
The front desk they walked past was suited with weapons for customers to buy, but the robed figure of course explained that the Premium equipment was in his own room upstairs and only he as the owner was allowed to access them, which Crow nodded in understanding.
As they walked past the counter and into the back of the store that was divided by a crimson curtain Crow's eyes widened at the site of the crafting area of the shop.
There was a whole list of tools and equipment: anvils, hammers, and furnaces, among other tools on the right side of the room.
There were stairs on the left of the curtain that led upstairs.
After getting a tour of the bottom floor Crow was shown to his room.
Upstairs there was a narrow hallway thin enough to fit 1 person at a time, and 3 room's were up here, with 2 wooden doors being on the sides across from each other with one metal door at the very end of the hallway.
'The hell is in that room?' Crow thought to himself, yet he also abided by the saying "Curiosity killed the cat" and knew some questions shouldn't be asked, so he was quietly led to his room which was the door on the right.
It was a simple room with a 1-person bed opposite to the door alongside a window with blinds to the right of it.
The wall had a wooden chair and table setup to the right of said bed directly in front of the window.
By now the robed figure had left and Crow couldn't help but whistle out loud, 'All things considered it could be worse… plus a meal included. For someone stranded in a game I definitely got a decent start…'
The good news was that he at least had a steady foothold.
So, after locking his door, and now with exhaustion fully taking over, without even changing his clothes the boy collapsed into bed and drifted off into sleep.
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{That Same Night In Another Part Of Town}
Within a tavern bustling with Players and NPCs alike chattering, skin colors and gears of all assortments could be seen as waitresses with ample cleavage served customers with wide grins on their face with the tavern owner behind the bar showing an even wider grin.
The Blessed had truly been a boon for their business.
However, on a higher floor of said tavern with multiple bedrooms spread throughout a different energy was brewing.
"You fool!"
SMACKKK!!
"Aaaghh!"
A grey-skinned figure was sent flying into a wooden counter.
Standing above him was a man with a tiger face and blue fur lined with black stripes, an angry gaze remained in his obsidian eyes.
"B-boss listen, wait, hold up."
"You had 1 simple job." The furry man walked over slowly, his fist fully tightening, creating a suffocating feeling in the room.
He crouched down in front of the grey-skinned elf.
Behind the furred man was a group of 4 other players all giving looks of taunting towards their teammate.
If Crow were to see this group he'd immediately recognize them as the ones who attacked him on his 1st day.
The blue furred player grabbed the grey-skinned elf by his collar and pulled him in close, "You said you could handle it, and now for all we know there's an NPC running around tainting our name."
Noone in the room spoke, they all watched as punishment was dealt out, however among the 4 players watching there was a 5th Player; a human girl with blonde hair, green eyes and a soft expression of discomfort.
"M-Magnus, can we not kill him? I know it's a game but, m-maybe he can make it up by searching for the NPC. He couldn't have gotten far, and then we can clear things up so he won't spread nasty rumors."
Hearing the girl's voice Magnus' expressions immediately softened as he looked back and nodded before turning back, "You're lucky, consider this your new assignment, find that NPC. You won't be joining any hunting missions until then."
The elf's eyes widened, "But, Boss my level will fall behi-"
Magnus's grip around the dark elf's collar tightened and a cold gleam shone in his eyes, "Don't push your luck. You couldn't even kill a lv1 NPC."
The blue furred beastkin let go of the dark elf's shirt, allowing the latter's butt to plop onto the floor, "If you and I hadn't been friends for years by now I would have kicked you from the party. We have people counting on us, stay focused!"
The grey-elf's eyes widened in shock, before letting out a sigh of release, "Th-thank you Magnus, I'll make it up I swear!" The dark elf began to pat his biceps in a flex.
"Yehyeh." Magnus shooed his hands as he walked away, "Just find that NPC and let us know when. We'll make sure to clean it up nice and easy."
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[Hours Later… In A Blacksmithing Shop In Town]
BANG BANG BANG
"Get up, Lad! It's time for work, time to earn ya keep!"
"Gah!" Crow shot up, panic on his face as he put his arms up defensively, he looked around in a dazed confusion of where he was before the memories came flooding back in, "Oh yeah…"
The front of his head was pounding and his body was begging him for more rest, he gazed at the window which had only black leaking through, 'It's still so late, or rather this early.'
Yet, another sound came at the door.
BANG BANG BANG
"Don't make me repeat myself, lad! Or best be sure I'll get the slave dealer to come look at ye, today!"
Hearing that Crow was immediately sobered and leaped off his bed, and opened his door to give a wide forced smile, "Oh, hello, I've been up, just… tidying the room up."
The robed figure looked over the boy's shoulder to a messy unmade bed and an unpacked bag atop the table, then back at the boy's forced smile, "Come this way."
The pair walked down the stairs and into the smithing part of the store where he was instructed on how to clean and prep the gear for today's work.
Next was mopping and sweeping the entire 1st floor, then polishing the weapons and counters and making sure everything was in order.
After what felt like 2-3 hours, daylight finally started to seep through the front windows.
The front door was wide open and a steady stream of people began to walk to and fro down the streets, livening the area.
Crow was still dressed in the same grey rags of clothes he came with so he slumped his elbows onto the counter, resting his chin atop his hands and waited for the day to pass.
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The day passed without any unexpected hiccups; both NPC's and Players alike came and visited the store.
Some NPC's questioned Crow's identity upon not recognizing him to which he gave the same response he gave to his employer, "From out of town."
While the players were all new to this town and didn't give NPC's much thought to begin with.
After the shift was over the sky had begun to dim and Crow felt the jitters in his body increase from his relatively stagnant position in front of the counter.
So he went to the back of the store and asked his boss, "Umm, hey the last customer just left."
"Hmmm" The cloak figure confirmed as he kept hammering away.
Crow stared at the steady yet powerful motion, gulping down his hesitation before he continued to speak, "Soooo… it's cool if I head out?"
The robed figure stopped midswing.
The mighty hammer that looked like it could splash the boy into a squished grape effortlessly obeying its user's command.
The figure gazed up at the boy, his crimson eyes piercing the dusky room, "Where to?"
Crow didn't break his gaze, "To hunt."
"Pshhhhh, hahahahHAHAHAHAH!!" The figure erupted in full laughter, "After what you gave me last time? You should be more concerned about paying off your debt." He scoffed out as he began to hammer once more.
Yet, Crow eye's burrowed and he balled his fist as he responded "Even if that happened I can't just let myself fall behind!"
The robed figure paused, his fiery red eyes now holding a cold analyzing gaze as he stared at the boy, "I understand…"
The figure slowly stood up from his seat, "C'mere."
"O-Ok?" Crow agreed as he walked over.
WOOOOOSHHH!!
Before Crow could respond the man swung his fist at the boy's stomach.
"UGHHH!!"
Crow's eyes bulged as the fist sent him a few feet off the ground before he flopped onto the floor on all 4's, lurching on the ground.
BLEUGHHHHH
The figure cast an empty gaze on the boy emptying his already bare stomach.
"Do you know why I did that?"
Yet, Crow could barely breathe much less respond.
As if knowing that the figure continued, "Being strong isn't just something you can do for fun or without reason, there needs to be a clear purpose. Whether that be to protect someone or to gain something, it doesn't matter."
He then cast his gaze onto Crow, "The speed of the punch I just did was about the speed of a "Newbie Rabbit".
Crow shot a confused glance, but then he thought of those rabbit's that evaded him the whole day yesterday.
Seeing the realization on the boy's face the figure's eyes creased underneath his robes, "If you understand that, then you know why I tested you just now."
Crow up to this point had recovered a bit and could only slightly nod his head, "Good, then if you want to go out and get stronger, pay back your debt 1st. Then feel free to throw your life away."
Hearing this a look of shame and defeat crept up the boy's face.
Yet, the robed figure paid no mind to it as he walked past the boy, "Clean that mess you made up, and then follow me. It's time to eat."
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15minutes later 2 figures arrived at a bustling building filled with booze, banter, and boobies, and of course food as well.
As the 2 entered Crow caught the sight of players and NPCs alike chatting among their own groups and enjoying their meals.
On the far left of the room there were stairs that led up to an indoor balcony overlooking the downstairs, filled with party members chatting and eating.
On the far right there were stairs that led further up with doors, most likely the rooms for overnight stay.
The usually cold figure Crow came with spotted his drinking buddies and gave a hearty cheer as he made his way over, but not before handing Crow some spending money to buy a dish.
Taking the meager funds, the boy found a seat and ordered a cheap dish as he honed in and listened to the conversations around him.
Besides being a place for food and resting, tavern's like this were always where the best gossip is spread, 'With this I won't fall too behind the information that players find.' Crow creased his eyes with a suspicious smile, even rubbing his hands together as he did so which gave those around him a feeling of 2nd hand embarrassment.
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Hours later, after finishing his meal and listening in on key gossip Crow was prepared to head back, but seeing as how his boss was still drinking he was shooed away and told to wait.
As the boy waited he thought back on some of the knowledge he heard being discussed.
1st was the fact that the body of players when they log off stays where they left it, meaning that the importance of safe lodging is even higher.
Yet, most importantly was the strange power structure of this world.
Apparently there were no levels, but terms dividing the power levels called [Realm] and [Stage] and apparently even killing monsters didn't award any experience making it all the confusing to Crow for a how player is supposed to level up in this God-forsaken game.
Shaking those thoughts out of his head, Crow couldn't help but bitterly chuckle to himself, 'Though that doesn't seem to really affect me seeing as how I can't level up or respawn.'
His mind began to drift as he eavesdropped on the surrounding conversations once more…
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[Sometime later]
"C'mon lad, ya ready?" a gruff voice called out.
"Huh?!" Crow's head shot up, his arms in a defensive stance.
The boy dazed around in confusion to the tavern that was less active than a few hours ago yet still lively nonetheless, "When the hell did I fall asleep?"
"Heh, you sleepin here kept me waiting. Let's go."
"0_0"
Finally the 2 arrived back and without exchanging a word more, Crow dragged his body upstairs and into his room, took the flower Lóa had given him out of his bag and tucked it under his bed, before falling asleep without another thought.
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BOOM!!
"Wake up, lad!"
"GAHHHHH!!" Crow screamed out and fell on the floor as the robed figure burst into the room.
The boy's mind was racing, 'Fuk, was I so tired I forgot to lock the door?!' What's going on? It shouldn't be time for work yet, I know that there should at least be a few more hours. Oh wait…'
Crow slowly looked up, locking eyes with the robed figure who spoke, "Follow me."
Sighing in his heart the boy ignored his body's plea for rest and followed the figure from behind and down the stairs, 'Sigh, I didn't think I'd get signed into slavery this early, I'd try to run if not for seeing what he did to other players.'
Begrudgingly Crow followed behind the man while on guard.
The 2 finally came down the stairs and to the smithing room, yet the boy looked around and with noone else in sight much less a slave dealer his mind raced, 'Wait, what's going on?'
The cloaked figure walked up to the anvil and stood in front of it, "C'mere, boy."
"O-okay." Crow murmured out as he walked up the anvil and stopped before him, unsure of what to expect.
"Watch." the figure simply spoke.
For the next 10 seconds the hammer cascaded down onto the piece of square black metal ebbing and melding it till it no longer resembled its original shape.
Now reduced to a small perfectly round ball.
'Woah." Was all the boy could let out.
"This will be your task," the figure said.
"Oh, but before that." the figure got up, letting the hammer drop to the floor with a CLANG.
"Stay put here." he spoke as he lumbered up the stairs.
Around 5 minutes later he came back with what looked to be arrow targets.
"Since you will be crafting, it's only right, you make sure your weapons are up to snuff."
He then set around 3 targets on 1 side of the room near the stairs and then turned to look back towards Crow.
"Ahhh, one more thing."
The figure then ran up the stairs once more before coming back with a wooden doll.
"Ahhh." The figure let out with satisfaction as he released the doll onto the ground, "This will be your teacher starting tomorrow, as you know I've got a store to run so you best pay attention today."
Crow's eyes bulged at this as he took a 2nd glance at the wooden doll on the floor.
It was about 2ft tall with normal human ratios, even shorter now that it was "sitting."
It's face was just blank and it's hands and feet were just 2 balls.
Thoughts surfaced in the boy's mind as he observed this, 'The old man must be meaning that if I don't take in all the knowledge today, I'm done for…'
With that the boy gave an enthusiastic nod, and the 2 began their 1st day of teachings.
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[Later That Night In a Small Smithy…]
"Ughhh…" Crow groaned out as he lay face up on the floor.
His clothes were drenched and stuck to his clothes like glue.
Every muscle on his body was aching.
The cloaked figure had already left for the Tavern, seeing as how Crow was in no condition to come with him and so begrudgingly the boy could only stare at the ceiling.
"D-damn this fukin hurts!" he barely managed to sputter out, "But… if this is what it takes to become strong…" a toothy grin beamed from the boy's mouth, "Then so be it!"
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