Chapter 100: Key information
Chapter 100: Key information
I take a seat next to the older man as we both look at the argument that is playing on the stage. Even in times of crisis humans will find a way to cause problems, I wouldn’t do any better in their place. I’m not a leader so I should stop talking, the old man rubs his beard as he listens to the argument. “So young man, what is it you wanted to know. I’m getting sick of listening to these kids argue. Perhaps your questions can take my mind off this situation.” Seems he doesn’t like the arguing either. “I haven’t seen you around our little slice of the city before. Although my memory isn’t what it used to be.” He is pretty observant, I do my best not to stick out. Even though I do this he still notice that I’m not from around here. It must be my mentality and attitude, I’m not depressed and scared like everyone else.
I can see how he put it together, this man has got a sharp brain in his head. “I was wondering if anyone found out the situation about survival and death mechanics. I was hoping I could get some answers without having to tests those myself.” He hums silently to himself, he puts his hand on his chin is a think manner. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he didn’t know, I bet everyone is to scared to try and find out themselves. “Its okay if you don’t have an answer, I’m not surprised that no one has tested it yet. Dying isn’t something any one wants to do, and finding out for everyone else isn’t a sacrifice anyone would make.” He looks at me in slight surprise, I must have a better lid on my worries then most he meets.
He just sighs and rubs his head, he looks disappointed with what he is about to say. “Death mechanics have changed. While we still resurrect, the process of dying has changed. Pain is no longer toned down, and we feel everything. The sensations and loss of life, the resurrection process is painful to. Once it begins you relive through the pain that killed you, and when we die we come back at these new giant cathedrals.” Well, that’s surprising. So permanent death doesn’t exist for the players, but the pain is on a level that players have never experienced before. Talk about a big change, in a way that make us immortal. “Survival mechanics have changed as well, if we don’t eat and drink like normally we will become weak. No one has died yet from dehydration or starvation, but many are to weak for laborious tasks.” Seems like my worst worries aren’t so bad, but in a way they are. The way he described it explains why so many look weak.
My questions about death and survival have been answered, but I don’t know this location. I highly doubt anyone knows what truly happened as of yet, so know point in asking that question. “This city, was it the one all these players came with? I find it extremely weird that the cities followed us through, and now we are in a land I’m not familiar with.” His eyes squint at my next question, it might be one he doesn’t want to answer. This city was his home, and he has probably figured out that I’m an outsider. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, in the end this place was your home. I bet you have things you don’t want to share with an outsider.” He gently nods his head yes and turns back to the argument taking place. I have a feeling I’m very far from my family, and I don’t want to stay away for long. While in my thoughts a world announcement rings out, and its a little troubling.
[World-wide Announcement: Since all the players have settled in these last few days its time to motivate you! In 12 hours monsters will begin to populate the continent all players occupy! In an effort to motivate you players still gain exp and level up! If you are fortunate enough to find a dungeon there might be a reward that could tell you where your loved ones are!]
I’m now convinced the system A.I. has changed in many ways, talk about a way to mix things up both good and bad. Many will be going crazy for the search of dungeons, but that could have been a lie to. “Do you think people will be ready to defend themselves in 12 hours, this cities doesn’t have any defenses or guards. They could just walk right in and slaughter us till we kill them with overwhelming numbers, while resurrecting is good it will cause problems on our minds if we die so much in such shorts amounts time.” All the voices around me go quiet as I say that, guess people were listening to our conversation. Pretty much everyone in the stadium is silent after the announcement. A few seconds pass and chaos erupts, players are yelling and screaming. Some are even rushing towards the exits to get into the skyscrapers for high ground, smart but they cant hold everyone.
I just stay seated with the old man as the rush of players around us continue. My ears are ringing from how loud it is, I look down at the grass and begin to think as I drown out the noise. Only 12 hours till players will have to start being players again, while earning exp without my half exp debuff sounds awesome I still want to find my family first. “Well young man, this has been a nice conversation. I will be going to a secure area myself, I hope you find whoever your looking for. I myself will be looking for my wife.” I nod my head in gratitude and acknowledgement. Getting the help and answers I needed from him was a nice accident. I look around as even more people are trying to get out of the stadium now. I look up to the stage and see Zeeill pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
In a way both parties plans are null and void now, I can see how that makes someone angry. They begin to talk to each other, but there is way to much noise to hear what they are saying. I think leaving this city will be a good idea, I’ll find no help here. I sigh as more and more people rush passed me, I don’t know why they are all so scared. They have killed monsters and dungeon dived before, just because death has changed shouldn’t discourage you. In a sense its hypocritical for me to say this since I didn’t want to die without knowing, but I know now and I’m ready for action. A few minutes pass and the stadium is almost entirely empty, I make my way towards the exits myself. I’m going to find a secluded spot and take flight.
I want to be alone and isolated once the monsters appear, I want to be the first to go into a dungeon and clear it in this new land to. If I’m lucky I can find the answer to my families location, that’s if what the system said is true. I wouldn’t put my trust in it, so I’ll stay on guard while out. While everyone is to scared to leave their hiding holes I’ll be out leveling and getting stronger, who knows I might even experience death. I make my way outside the stadium and see the nearest buildings with packs of people trying to get in. I just ignore all of the chaos and make my way down a road that leads away from the stadium, I follow the road for about 30 minutes and I see the forests tree line. I walk for a little while longer and make it to the entrance to the forest.
I walk into it a good ways and toggle my wings on, time to get out of this area and prepare for my own fights. I stretch out my huge and long wings, I flex them hard and burst from the ground. I make it to the clouds and go above them like I always do, it should be around noon now. So that means around midnight the monsters will start spawning. That leaves me 12 hours of travel time, and I intend to use all of it. I put extra power into a few flaps and enjoy the wind on my face. I level out my wings and glide at the high speed, I’m falling in love with my flying ability. I wonder if there are any other players that can fly right now, if so I bet their lives are as nice as mine right now. I feel the smile spread across my face as the warm heat from the sun bathes me as I fly above the clouds. I’m going to have a nice journey.