Dreaming Orora Read online

He took a step back and pushed forward with all his might. It seemed he planned to jump over the trap. He knew he could not clear it with one jump, so as soon as his foot hit the ground he would follow with another leap to avoid most of the explosion. He did not, however, account for the mage’s subjob. As soon as his foot touched the ground, few undead arms broke through the ground and grabbed his leg pinning him where he stood. The mage had a Necromancer sub, that piece of info came rather late. Boom.

  The explosion took more than half of the Druid’s HP. His HP dipped below a quarter of the max. He raised his head to regain perspective and keep the mage in sight. The mage’s eyes glowed red and his robes flailed around him. An aura of red flames danced and the mage chanted something. Another big explosion and the Druid fell face first.

  The crowd roared.

  “And the winner is… Nero the Flame Dancer,” an announcer’s voice echoed through the cheering howl of the crowd.

  The crowed filled every seat in the huge stadium, NPCs and players alike. While the structure didn’t match that of bigger stadiums in Orora, it still seated a good fifty thousand plus at max capacity. At any given day, they won’t hope to fill all those seats, but the opening day of the Orora Champions Tournament proved otherwise. And just like in the real world, getting a seat in the opening day and the advance stages proved next to impossible.

  “Told you he would win,” Hok said, “wish I took your wager.”

  Eric laughed, “you never were one to gamble. I think I’m next?” he looked at the big board above the crowd.

  NEXT MATCH: ERIC THE WALL VS. FREY THE DARK (MAX LEVEL DIVISION).

  “The wall?” Hok chuckled.

  “I think it’ll intimidate the noobs, besides, not everyone got a numbered title.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Hok waved a dismal arm, “Still don’t know why you are doing this man. I understand we can scout some people here, but you don’t need to participate. It’s a colossal waste of time.”

  “We might need the money.”

  Hok shook his head, “We could get it elsewhere. Nothing good can come out of this, less you forgot the last time.”

  “Come on, you know many good things came out of it,” Eric raised his hand showing his rings and smiled faintly, “besides, we only need the Max and Masters.”

  “Well, It’s your call.”

  “Alright man, wish me luck,” Eric stood up and started down to the arena.

  “It’s only the first round, you don’t really need it.”

  Hok sat there waiting for the next match to start. Still few more minutes, so he decided to rifle through some online news. He opened his HUD and went through some of the feeds he subscribed for. Scrolling through, one headline about the Dark One grabbed his attention.

  The Dark One’s army spreading more and more around the southern Falagan region. Some of the major cities are declaring a state of emergency and deploying their forces on the double. Few cities restricted access to any outsiders and went on total lockdown. Recruits are yet to retaliate where small guilds and towns are being evacuated around that area.

  The economy is suffering shortages in ingredients and items imported from that region while merchants are resorting to other alternatives to meet the demands.

  Things were not getting any better around Orora, and yet no players acted on it. Hok found some relief as this might push them towards the right direction. He scanned through the headlines and another title grabbed his attention.

  A mad Recruit assaulting the Brotherhood’s headquarter.

  Some Recruit, found in the attached feed, attempted a solo attack on one of the top three fighting guilds around Orora. His attack was short lived and the guild masters apprehended him

  His fate is yet to be known as the guild refused to communicate on any of this. Their senior member, Uran, the Red Mage refused to give any comments about the identity of the assaulter, “Let this be a lesson to anyone else even remotely thinking of such stupid act.”

  Reading that, Hok grinned all the way through. A bell gonged in the distance announcing the start of the next match as the two men walked towards the center of the arena. Eric and his opponent stood opposite each other, ten feet or so separated the two contestants. Eric had his sword and shield at the ready while the Dark Knight, Frey, whirled his great sword leisurely to his side, both waiting for the signal to unleash upon the other.

  A horn blew once for a beat and Eric started towards the other man. That sure startled him and forced a step back. He planted his left foot, great sword behind to gain space and momentum for the hit. It all amounted to nothing though. Eric flung the shield, which caught Frey off guard and he had to raise his hand to shield his face. Just as he tossed the shield to one side, Eric slammed into him shoulder first sending him tumbling to his back. The sword followed soon after with couple of slashes, then a knee to the shin and a stun move with the swords hilt.

  Frey tried to get back to his knees but Eric swept both his legs then slammed the shield on the man’s chest punching the air out of his lungs. He raised his sword and stabbed the man again and again. Even from here, Hok saw the stone cold look on Eric’s face while driving the sword through the poor man. Never in his life did Hok saw Eric fight this way. He was always the playful, agile and taunt your opponent kind of a fighter. He enjoyed every moment of being in battle. But this man, this man fought with anger at the driver’s seat. Hate fueled his moves.

  The battle ended with Eric pounding on the dead man even after announcing the winner. The crowd of course cheered and roared at him. He ignored everyone and just walked out.

  Soon as the fighters left the arena, a dais rose from the ground in the center. A hotshot looking NPC in flamboyant purple clothes took to the mic atop the dais.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” his voice boomed, “thank you for attending the opening day of The Champions Tournament. We hope to see you in the coming days and welcome to Ladara, don’t just come for the games, make it your home.” The crowd exploded upon mention of the host town name, a cheap pop tactic, “However, we want to take this moment to commemorate our falling brothers in the Falagan region and wish all of you who are heading there a safe journey. Our hearts is with you.”

  The arena fell silent for few moments before the shuffling of the crowed started. People left the arena in a hurry. Eric joined Hok and they sat there for a little more while. Few people were sparring down in the fighting ground.

  “What the hell was that man?” Hok broke the silent, “you killed the man twice over.”

  Eric snorted, “you said it was a waste of time so I decided to end it fast.”

  “Fast, but not brutal. You are not me man,” Hok looked at him, “don't let anger consume you. It’s not good for anyone. It sure as hell doesn't suit you.”

  “Meh,” Eric offered no more and the two sat in silence once more.

  “So? Where are we now?” Hok let out the question both of them dread to utter for some time.

  “Nowhere near where we should be. Still have six people if you count Jorgen.”

  “We still require at least four more.”

  “That’s just to be able to fight, and it can be any one of us besides you and Jorgen. A party setup will stand a snowball chance in hell defeating that monster.” Never in all the years that Hok knew him did Eric look this desperate. The guy was a formal shell of himself. Who could blame him? He could be losing his loved one in a wild chase thinking that it might bring her back. Hok couldn't imagine what people were saying about what he’s doing, playing a game while his wife in a coma.

  They both sat in silence for few more minutes before Eric stood up, “come on, let’s go out have a look around.”

  They exited the arena from the eastern gate that opened up to the main street leading to the central palace of the royal family in Ladara. People clogged the street on both sides. Merchants, buyers, players and soldiers mixed in an amalgamation that blocked their view but a few feet ahead. A crowed to be expected during the tourn
ament time.

  To his left players sat on both ends of a row of a small two person tables playing a card game. “A Baght tournament?”

  Eric studied them for few seconds, “nah, at least not an official one, otherwise…” he stopped and lowered his head. His lips fell an inch.

  Hok just stood there not knowing what to say. He knew that between the two of them, Karin was the Baght fanatic. She ranked amongst the best players in the game. The silence dragged on, unbearable, until the sound of some commotion flooded the place. They both looked around, should not be far off from where they stood. They exchanged a look and chased after the source.

  A cart rolled in the middle of a sizable number of soldiers clad in bright gold armor strutted down the road on their Vagrants pushing anyone around them to the side of the street. Pockets of murmurs and cacophony broke through the crowd, no cheers though.

  “Aargal soldiers. Here? What gives?” Hok said.

  Eric asked an onlooker next to him, “any idea what’s going on?”

  “Don’t know, some event?” the man said.

  Hok pulled Eric and walked away keeping pace with the cart. “Don’t ask a player, they won’t know a thing. Better ask an NPC.”

  Few Ladaran soldiers walked couple of paces ahead of them. There was no short of them those days because of the tournament. “Alright you better go ask him,” Hok pushed Eric towards the guard and inched closer keeping his distance. Soldiers don’t usually open up to disguised-anon player.

  “Pardon me sir, any idea what’s going on?”

  The soldier eyed Eric top to bottom, twice. “Dignitaries and army sergeants in the Eastern Keynara region are gathering in Ladara to discuss the threat of this Dark One.”

  Eric’s head wondered around for a bit, his eyes shifting left and right, the statement took a moment to register it seemed, “So, the threat is that big? Any Recruits involved?”

  “No idea sir, I’m just a security guard as you can see.”

  Eric came back to Hok who stood few steps away from them hearing the whole conversation. “You believe this? Even the NPCs are acting on it now. We need to find out what’s going on.”

  “Well, we can always head there and try our luck.”

  ~

  Hok had been to the palace few times prior. Some quests granted him permission inside, but otherwise the place was off limits. Nevertheless, there were more security forces this time around. Breaking in won’t be a good idea. The entire town would descend on him if they sensed any danger befalling their royal family, and unlike guild headquarters, NPCs tend to never forget. So, they approached the guards with high hopes but low expectations.

  “Excuse me sir, will the public be granted access to the meeting?” Hok asked one of the two guards stationed outside the main gate. With much dread and dismay, he had to take the hood off when approaching the castle. They would not otherwise allow some unidentified person to approach, they don’t mind the anon though.

  “We have Clear orders not to allow anyone but the invitees to the meeting.”

  “Thought as much,” Eric said in the private chat.

  “Should we tell them our plan and what we know?” Hok said.

  “Go ahead, but they are not allowing us access.”

  “Leave that to me,” Hok said and turned to the guards, “could you please convey the message that,” his voice went down a notch or two, “Hok Seven requesting audience with the council bearing some urgent news pertaining to the Dark One.”

  Both soldiers exchanged a look that lasted few beats. One of them nodded and got inside the palace. The other one stood his ground, “please wait for the reply.”

  “Hok Seven?” Eric said and laughed, “You think your name will bear any weight in here? If anything it should make matters worse.”

  “You never know,” Hok shrugged.

  Few minutes and the other soldier came back, “sorry to keep you waiting Sir, the council welcomes you.”

  “I’ll be damned,” Eric said, eyes wide open. Hok smirked, an eyebrow jumped up. The gate swung open and the soldiers stepped to one side. “Nice going man. This could actually be something,” Eric’s face beamed. Perhaps finally he saw some progress with this. It resembled the reaction he had when they met the GMs and discussed the method to defeat the Dark One. That beaming man did not last long though when the GMs admitted they were unsure of the untested method.

  Another set of soldiers appeared few feet inside and beaconed them, “this way Sirs.”

  The four men walked in a narrow pathway surrounded by lush greenery. On the far side stood the castle in all its glory. Ivory white towers and purple drapes with the twisting silver snake insignia of Ladara adorned the walls

  Another set of guards greeted them at the castle gate. This gate was open though. “Please follow me Sir,” one guard said and walked few steps ahead of them. The other escorting guards broke off.

  The door led to a narrow hallway adorned with pictures of past royal family members. Hok only knew the current ruler of Ladara, but the pictures went all the way back to their first ruler and the father of Ladara. All the portraits boasted a golden decorated frame and red velvet drapes. Save for one. It stood like a sour thumb. Black drapes and dark wooden frame. Below it, Igor the Terrible, itched in a darker digits. Both men stood admiring the dark figure before the soldier in front of them tensed and stood ready.

  “Sir,” the soldier saluted.

  “At ease soldier,” the man said, and walked towards Hok and Eric, “you know he’s not known as the terrible elsewhere?”

  Hok smiled and turned to face the man, “General Halvar, it’s always a pleasure,” he extended his hand.

  The big man took Hok’s hand in his own. He towered a good two feet over Hok and his girth almost double. “Hok Seven, I insisted on including you once we got word of your return.”

  “Well, we are trying to keep it a secret. This is my friend Eric. Eric, Halvar, General of the Aargal Army and a dear friend.”

  “He needs no introduction,” Eric extended his arm, “A pleasure Sir and I personally thank you for allowing us into this meeting.”

  “Well, the meeting is not until tomorrow morning, so we better rest,” Halvar said, “would you care to join me in my quarters?”

  “Sure,” Hok said. He glanced at the system time, six in the afternoon. Both Hok and Eric had some time to kill.

  ~

  The three of them sat around a small table in Halvar’s rather modest quarters. Two Aargal guards were stationed on the door outside, but no one else present at ears shot. The small empty table between them stood somewhat odd if not funny. In the real world people would show some form of hospitality with the offering of food or drinks. In fact, some cultures would insist on the visitor having something or else it’s considered an insult. Food however carried a different meaning in Orora. It’s not a necessity to sustain life; it served as a mere option to grant a temporary boost to certain attributes. So it was understandable that NPCs also needed no food to sustain their lives.

  “I heard you had some legal issues with your other world and so you were not able to appear here,” Halvar said.

  “Well,” Hok said, “something to that extent.”

  “I’m glad you are back.”

  “You and me both.”

  “So, why do you want to join this meeting?”

  “We need to defeat this guy and quite frankly we need all the help we can get,” Hok said, “before we get into that, Ladara and Aargal? You guys finally at piece?”

  Halvar sighed, “Not exactly. And this is why me, the Army’s General is here and not our royal family members. Ladara expressed the interest in discussing the way forward in case this threat was ever to reach this region. A greater threat tends to bring people closer.”

  “The enemy of my enemy, I guess,” Eric said.

  “Exactly, but,” Halvar paused and leaned closer, his voice dropped a level, “our people will never trust those Ladarians. Even during the Ba
ttle of Heaven and Hell they refused to cooperate. They were only concerned with their safety.”

  “And thus Igor was branded the terrible for marching with the army to your aid,” Hok said

  “Exactly, but that’s history. Let’s talk about the here and now.” Halvar said, “You know how to defeat this guy?”

  “We do believe so,” Hok said.

  Aside from Jobs and Subjobs, there are Professions. And just like Jobs, you can select any number of those to your heart content. Those are more of a hobby or a pastime. Something you can make money out of, or spend your money on.

  Few examples include Fisher, Cook, Blacksmith, Jeweler and Carpenter to name a few. There are many, many more. Explore and see what fits you best.

  13 – The dark march

  Another well-done piece of pie. Fitch admired the golden crust and the yellowish center before tossing it to the ground. That brought the total number to ten. His inventory got full and he had a piece earlier so no chance of eating another. Yet he wanted to continue training to raise his culinary skill. With no merchant or a stash at sight, he had to toss whatever he created.

  Last night, after a grueling day of traveling, the team finally decided to log off in a small camp they put together. They’ve been traveling for almost five hours, Fitch’s butt actually started to ache from setting on his mount. They did engage in few fights every now and again thanks to Oz’s curiosity. Few times it got them in trouble with some agros, but thank God for Tala.

  Fitch logged in before his friends, so not wanting to waste any time, he took out his equipment, whipped out the ingredients and started producing more pies and cakes than he knew what to do with.

  As anything else in Orora, he had the choice of creating the dishes with the menu option, which was the fast and easy way, or get down and dirty creating them. That would’ve been nice, he would at least learn how to bake in the real world, but such detailed cooking could only be performed in a proper kitchen in Orora.

  He found himself reminiscing all the good times when he had enrolled himself in few of the cooking classes in Orora. Meeting fellow kitchen dwellers and virtual culinary enthusiasts provided a much needed break from all the killing and fighting. Oz and Paragon kept nagging him to get at least his main job to max level then dedicate his time to be a master chef, so he had to shelf the classes for the time being.