2 The Market and my Combat lessons!
{WELCOME TO THE NEXUS' MARKET!}
I've been wondering about it since I received my tutorial quest.
Let's see...
Clicking on the "Market" icon that appeared in my status window opened up another bigger one.
=================================
{MENU}
>MISC
>TRADING GOOD
>EQUIPMENT
>ATTACK
>DEFENSE
>RARE MATERIALS
>MONSTER LOOT [LOCKED]
>MAGIC ARTIFACTS [LOCKED]
=================================
'Locked?! Geez, what a bummer!'
Deciding to take a look through everything available for now, I began familiarizing myself with the new mechanic, and possibly ace on my sleeve.
Let's see the misc section.
After pressing "MISC", I was assaulted with a window showing a list so long that I assumed it was infinite.
{MISC (Cost: 1-10 Nexus Coin)}
-LUTE
-TRUMPET
-FLUTE
-HARP
-DRUM
-SEVEN POINTED STAR
-WHEEL
-SADDLE
-LADDER
-PICK
-KEY
-HORSESHOE
-HOURGLASS
-SMITHING HAMMER
-DICE
-BELL
-BANNER
-ANVIL
-ANCHOR
...
Safe for some objects that might be useful in specific situations, everything else was mostly junk.
Okay, next! ... hum, trading goods.
{TRADING GOOD (Cost: 10-50 Nexus Coin)}
-SAND
-ROCK/STONE
-LEATHER
-STEEL
-IRON
-BRONZE
-EGG
-BREAD
-TEA LEAF
-CHICKEN
-SHEEP
-LINEN 1lb/5sqy
-GOAT
-PIG
-SALT 1lb
-DOG (puppy)
-COW
-PEPPER 1lb
-TRAINED HOUND
-AUROCH
-SILK 1lb/2sqy
-SAFFRON 1lb
...
Wow!
Definitely better!
Wait! Can I really buy living beings as well from here?
Probably should hold this line of thought for now!
But I couldn't help considering its usefulness for a moment.
Next was...
{EQUIPMENT (Cost: 10-50 Nexus Coin)}
-CANDLE
-CRAFTSMAN'S TOOLS KIT
-FAR EYE
-FLASK
-FLINT & STEEL
-INK
-IRON STAKES
-LANTERN
-MAESTER'S KIT
-TORCH
-MYRISH LENS
-OIL
-ROPE
-SACHET
-SCENT
-TENT
-NOBLE'S GARB
-ADVENTURER'S GARB
-PEASANT'S GARB
...
Hum. Pretty much the definition of practicality.
Totally adding it to my cart.
...
If I could find something like that somewhere.
I concluded my quick search before investigating the Market window.
Ok, I will be quick with the others since anything I buy from them will surely stand out like a sore thumb.
{ATTACK (Cost: 50-100 Nexus Coin)}
-MATTOCK
-WOODSMAN'S AXE
-QUARTERSTAFF
-KNIFE
-AGRICULTURE TOOLS
-PIKE
-NET
-SLING
-BRAAVOSSI SWORD
-SWORD-BREAKER
-POLEAXE
-BOAR SPEAR
-SPEAR
-WARLANCE
-PILUM
-BILLHOOK
-STILETTO
-DIRK
-DAGGER
-MYRISH CROSSBOW
-ARROWS/BOLTS (12uni.)
-LONGBOW
-SAI
-TONFA
-ARMING SWORD
-LONG SWORD
-GREAT SWORD
...
Wow.
Weapons, lots of weapons.
{DEFENSE (Cost: 50-100 Nexus Coin)}
**NEW STAT UNLOCKED: DEFENSE!
*Armor protects its wearer from attacks. The armor (and shield) you wear determines your base Defense.
**WARNING! THIS ONE DOESN'T NATURALLY PROGRESS WITH YOUR LEVEL!
-BUCKLER SHIELD
-KITE SHIELD
-TOWER SHIELD
-HEATHER SHIELD
-PADDED GAMBESON
-RIVETED MAIL
-BRIGANDINE
-LORICA SEGMENTATA
-FULL PLATE
...
My only way of raising my Defense stat!
Awesome!
{RARE MATERIALS (Cost: 100-500 Nexus Coin)}
-WEIRWOOD SEED
-GEM/JEWEL SMALL CHEST
-RUNED BRONZE SET OF ARMOR
-DRAGONGLASS LARGE CHEST
-IRONWOOD SEED
-GOLDEN HEART SEED
-DRAGONBONE PIECE
-VALYRIAN STEEL BLOCK
-BLACKSTONE/DARKSTEEL BLOCK
-METEORITE BLOCK
...
Are you joking?!
I can really buy Valyrian Steel through herel!?!
Good to know!
{MONSTER LOOT [LOCKED]}
{MAGICAL ITEMS [LOCKED]}
Why is it locked?!
Don't tell me it's a DLC!!!
Noooooo!
Hopefully that's just a momentary setback.
More probably it is for when I reach higher levels or the narrative progresses further ahead.
I know, it isn't guaranteed, but let me believe for the best and prepare for the worst.
But for now, I sure am curious as hell about these last two sections!
{CONGRATULATIONS!}
{SECRET QUEST COMPLETED!}
Oh, cool!
{YOU HAVE RECEIVED 1000 NEXUS COINS AS A REWARD!}
Thanks Game! You always know how to brighten my day!
But where should I store it?
Hell, I don't even know if the Spider has some hidden passage to enter my Bedchamber.
Shit, now I'm genuinely creeped out.
Deciding to wait before buying anything, I opened my Status Window.
=================================
TITLE: Durrandon Baratheon (Sorcerer-Lv3/Barbarian-Lv3)
LEVEL: 5 (0%)
HP: 50/50
SP: 50/50
MP: 5/5*
MANA CONTROL:25%
SORCERY POINTS: 3
BARBARIC RAGE: 3
ALLEGIANCE: The Iron Throne
PWR: <6>
END: <6>
MOB: <8>
INT: <12>
STL: <6>
DEF: 0
POINTS: 22
SKILLS: ~open list~
PERKS: ~open list~
FEATURES: ~open list~
TRAITS: ~open list~
TIME PLAYED: 3 years
MONEY: 1000 NEXUS COIN
($) MARKET
=================================
I decided to spend some of my stat points in order to unlock some new Perks.
So I raised my Power, Endurance, Mobility, Intelligence and Stealth respectively to 8, 8, 10, 15 and 9.
10 points remaining.
Feeling slightly better than before, I proceeded to open the perk list.
Ignoring some social and combat alternatives, I ended up having my eyes on four amazing options.
{PERKS}
<AVAILABLE PERKS>
{MENTAL MAP} (COST 2 POINTS)
*You have an infallible, intuitive sense of direction inside a small radius area. You know exactly where you are, where you've been, and where you're going. You even have a good guess where everyone else is, too!
{PLAYER'S MIND} (COST 2 POINTS)
*Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through. Effectively muting his/her avatar expressions while thinking things through. Allows a peaceful state of mind. Immunity to mental disorder, psychological status and effects.
{SLEEP IS FOR THE DEAD} (COST 3 POINTS)
*Most people need to lie down at the end of the day, but not you! You are unique, able to function on only an hour of sleep a week. What WILL you do with all that extra time?
{METAMAGIC GENIUS} (COST 3 POINTS)
*You've learned how to exert your will on your spells to alter how they function. You permanently learn two Metamagic options of your choice from the Sorcerer title. You double the Mage Points you have and receive to spend on Metamagic. You regain all spent sorcery points when you finish a short rest.
...
Where should I begin?
The first effectively gave me blindsight, with a massive range of 30 feet. Within that range, I should be able to effectively see anything that isn't behind total cover, even if I'm blinded or in darkness.
Although, I'm not entirely sure how Magic interfered with it.
The second might be the solution I was looking for with all the fuss I made while in my Rage frenesy, and with luck I might even be able to cast spells while going Berserk.
The third would likewise help me with my Long Rest restrictions while also freeing up my nights for more continuous grinding of my stats and skills.
*Sigh.
Hurrah!
*Cough!
To be fair, not needing to sleep might also save my life when I am not in a safe zone.
Or to make sure that no creep would spy on me while sleeping.
And the fourth offered me another breakthrough for my Sorcery path.
Totally HAX abilities.
So I picked the four perks, leaving me with no Points left to spend.
Which technically wasn't a wise move on my part.
But as I was about to regret compulsive purchase, I immediately noticed a mental map forming in my mind, giving me some serious Daredevil vibes.
It reached well over a distance enough for me to notice the guards standing in front of my door guarding me.
And I was currently standing on the opposite wall of my room, a very large room.
So I have a reach of, give or take, 10 meters (30 feet).
Yeah, I'm so awesome!
Though by inspecting my reflection in the mirror on the wall, it didn't appear that I was that much hyped to use and abuse my new abilities.
'Look at that.' I mentally whistled at the mirror after activating my Rage, and felt only my breathing standing out of ordinary. 'Poker face at its finest!'
As for my third perk, I guess not feeling tired at all should be proof enough that it works for now.
What about the permanent metamagic options I've unlocked? I need to pick two out of ten alternatives.
CAREFUL SPELL (COST 1 MAGE POINT PER USE): When you cast a spell that affects an area large enough to force multiple creatures to attempt to avoid it, you can protect some of those creatures that are friendly to you from the spell's full force.
Seems a little niche to me.
I was hoping to just avoid friendly fire by positioning my spells carefully. But sometimes I might need to just drop a big area of effect and I don't have a way of avoiding hitting my allies.
Good thing it's not that expensive, so it's not that worth having it permanently.l
Next…
DISTANT SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER USE): When you cast a spell that has a range of 3 meters or greater, you can double the range of the spell. When you cast a spell that has a range of touch, you can make the range of the spell 10 meters.
From my amateur opinion, most spells should generally have enough range to get the job done in most situations. Perhaps the Touch to 10 meter range might be useful in case I'm blocked by some sort of barrier that I can't go past.
Still, niche in my opinion. And with a cost like that, I'm willing to take my chances.
EMPOWERED SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER USE): You can double the damage of your spell.
Really tempting to become a phenomenal blaster mage. And might save my life if I ever fought something with ridiculous amounts of Health and Armor.
But still not that costly.
EXTENDED SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER USE): When you cast a spell that has a duration of 1 minute or longer, you can double its duration, to a maximum duration of 24 hours.
Similar case of the Empowered spell, although this time this is where most buffs and debuffs would have their time to shine.
Same cost though.
HEIGHTENED SPELL (COST 3 SORCERY POINTS PER USE): When you cast a spell that allows a creature an attempt to resist its effects, you can make it twice as hard to do so.
Is it supposed to be like some sort of free disadvantage with restrictive spells? Honestly, not that appealing, but that price is a little salty compared to the others.
QUICKENED SPELL (COST 2 SORCERY POINTS PER USE): When you cast a spell that has a casting time of 6 seconds, you can change the casting time to Instantaneous.
Such a small window to make use of, but still tempting to mix it with Empowered spell.
SEEKING SPELL (COST 2 SORCERY POINTS PER USE): If you cast a spell and miss, you can influence the residual amount of Magic to launch itself again at your target.
Tricky drone spells, that seems interesting, but more manageable to make up for with Stealth or just quick casting.
SUBTLE SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER USE): When you cast a spell, you can cast it without any somatic or verbal components.
Speaking of stealth.
This one might be the best option for grinding my spells without risking the likes of Varrys from finding out my secret.
And although the price is low, I wager it can easily pile up if I'm seriously considering doing it as frequently as I want to.
TRANSMUTED SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER USE): When you cast a spell that deals a type of damage from the following list, you can change that damage type to one of the other listed types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison, thunder.
Duplicating damage is nice and all, but circumventing Resistance and even Immunity is even cooler.
Although that will depend on how common spells are to find.
TWINED SPELL (COST 1 SORCERY POINT PER LEVEL OF THE SPELL FOR EACH USE): When you cast a spell with one hand, you can target a second creature in range with the same spell on your other hand. *Cantrips and level 1 spells cost 1.
That cost kind of spoils that this one is the most valuable one. And mixed with Subtle spell, I might speed up the process of grinding even further.
Not gonna lie, it was an easy choice for me.
{SUBTLE SPELL SELECTED! IT NO LONGER COSTS YOU SORCERY POINTS TO USE!}
{TWINED SPELL SELECTED! IT NO LONGER COSTS YOU SORCERY POINTS TO USE!}
But I wasn't even capable of casting spells yet.
Oh the misery! Here I am salivating for an actual spell book.
Now let me see my Skills.
=================================
{SKILLS}
~close list~
<PWR>
~close list~
-THROWING (Lv. 11)
-PUNCH (Lv. 6)
-TEAR OFF (Lv. 5)
-JUMP (Lv. 4)
-CRAWL (Lv. 16)
-CLIMB (Lv. 6)
…
<END>
~close list~
-BREATHING TECHNIQUE (Lv. 18)
-MEDITATION TECHNIQUE (Lv. 14)
-HEAT RESISTANCE (Lv. 8)
-COLD RESISTANCE (Lv. 8)
-FALL DAMAGE RESISTANCE (Lv. 10)
-POISON RESISTANCE (Lv. 3)
…
<MOB>
~close list~
-AIM (Lv. 7)
-AMBIDEXTROUS (Lv. 16)
-ROPE SKILL (Lv. 8)
-DODGE (Lv. 4)
-RUNNING (Lv. 12)
-FLEXIBILITY (Lv. 5)
-BALANCE (Lv. 7)
-ACROBATIC (Lv. 5)
…
<INT>
~close list~
-GIBBERISH (Lv. 20)
-SING (Lv. 12)
-ACT (Lv. 8)
-ETIQUETTE (Lv. 13)
-OBSERVE (Lv. 15)
-MEMORY (Lv. 18)
-MATHEMATICS (Lv. 16)
-POISON/VENOM KNOWLEDGE (Lv. 9)
-MEDICINE KNOWLEDGE (Lv. 14)
-HEALING (Lv. 11)
-COMMON TONGUE (Lv. 18)
-OLD TONGUE (Lv. 6)
-HIGH VALYRIAN TONGUE (Lv. 7)
-LIBRARY RESEARCH (Lv. 16)
-NEW GODS LORE (Lv. 12)
-HERALDRY (Lv. 15)
-CARTOGRAPHY (Lv. 11)
-ASTROLOGY (Lv. 7)
-CONVINCE (Lv. 14)
-COOK (Lv. 9)
…
<STL>
~close list~
-SNEAK (Lv. 17)
-HIDE (Lv. 19)
…
=================================
Hum... I'm pretty sure I can do better.
*Popping neck noises
May the GAME DEVS and the SYSTEM be with me!
I cleared my mind for a moment and began my marathon.
—————————————————————
287 A.C
KING'S LANDING
RED KEEP
A few weeks later at Prince Durrandon's Bedchamber.
{YOU HAVE TAKEN A SHORT REST IN YOUR OWN BED. HP, SP AND MP HAVE BEEN RESTORED 100% EACH. ALL AILMENTS AND NEGATIVE STATUS EFFECTS HAVE BEEN CURED.}
I opened my eyes and got out of my meditation stance, finding myself in my own room at Maegor's Holdfast.
Remembering how I almost fainted again after depleting my Stamina bar while doing one of my nightly exercises grinding, I finally made a mental note to always be wary of it.
Guess that just like with my HP bar, there are also big consequences for depleting my SP bar.
In combat it might not be the best thing to go limp like the glass cannon, Megumin. Hiding and waiting for it to recharge should be my natural priority.
Since depletion of my health bar could very well mean Game Over to me, falling unconscious might be just as bad, if not worse in certain situations.
I wonder what would happen if I burned through all my Magic, at least I reached the bed before ending my final Rage.
Speaking of it, I discovered through going on a frenzy while activating my Player's Mind, that although my Power and Endurance stats doubled, I was still gaining XP at the appropriate parameters for my true level.
So I was literally going past my limits every single day and night.
That leads me to…
Many people dream about learning martial arts.
Maybe they wanted to try karate classes as a kid but never got the chance, or maybe they're intrigued by all of the unique martial arts equipment like nunchaku or swords.
Or possibly they're just looking to learn some simple self-defense moves.
My case was a more pragmatic one, as I sought the extra XP wherever I could get.
One would never truly master martial arts by training at home by themselves. However, there is some training that could help one to strengthen their bodies.
To narrow down my search, I had to write off learning MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, Taekwondo, or any other martial art that was dependent on having another person to practice with.
Let's use football as an example. If a football player only practiced kicking the ball into an empty net by himself and nothing else, then he wouldn't become a fundamentally sound player.
Sure, he might get better at striking the ball but, there's much more to football than this one move.
Now, what if this same soccer player primarily trained at home in his backyard, but the difference is he has a coach come to his house 2 times per week and help him with his form?
Perhaps he also plays football every night in the backyard with a couple of his buddies. He gets better at dribbling, scoring, understanding plays, defense, and increases his overall physical fitness.
He wouldn't become the next David Beckham by primarily training at home, but the addition of a personal coach and some practical experience would make him a more well-rounded player.
Keep in mind that, besides a coach and sparring partner, I didn't have the luxury of information available through means like the internet.
From what I could remember from my previous life, there were multiple courses available online that teach you about the history, techniques, and movements of various types of martial arts.
They won't help you practice techniques or give you feedback, but they can arm you with the basic knowledge.
However, I had something the modern person from my previous world didn't.
My font of magic, which effectively made me a sorcerer. Plus the rage within me to pull off superhuman feats in the body of a toddler.
The former led me to attempt to mimic Tai Chi, which was, from what I remember, very focused on self-practice without the need of sparring.
On the other hand, I had no way to confer with an expert in order to make sure my technique was right, so I was going with trial and error.
This Chinese martial art, with its open-handed forms and deep breathing techniques, was mostly concerned with relaxation and non-combat situations, which created the perfect condition for me to work on my control over my reserves of mana.
Cardio Kickboxing was my response to the buffs Rage gave me for an entire minute.
If one is interested in cardio and burning lots of calories, cardio kickboxing might be the answer.
Unlike traditional kickboxing, sparring isn't part of cardio kickboxing classes.
However, kickboxing places a lot of emphasis on the proper technique which can be nearly impossible to achieve if I'm practicing on my own, which sucks.
As for the need of sparring partners, I solved it with Shadowboxing, which simply meant sparring against an imaginary opponent.
I tried and adjusted my fighting stance, with some experimental jabs and hooks to get familiar with punching.
Wrapping my hands was a work in progress that already paid dividends with my Rope skill, though still no luck in making a rope from Mana.
Finally, the General-Self Defense was easy to learn by myself, even if I had no one to practice with.
When diving into the realm of martial arts for self-defense, I was looking to achieve some results similar to the battle-tested, the art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai.
It was not created to impress, its techniques are simple and designed to inflict pain in the quickest and easiest way, with each strike delivered to the point with no unnecessary movement for flamboyance.
Nothing worth doing was ever easy, with or without a broken System giving you Gamer Powers.
A full-fledged training session of mine left me gasping for air and my body sore the next day.
It is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging, to a degree that Player's Mind didn't seem to shield me from.
Working out diligently for days helped me gain another title.
{PING!}
[SKILL FLOW EVOLVED!]
[NEW TITLE ACQUIRED!]
[YOU ARE NOW A MONK!]
[YOU HAVE LEARNED HOW TO HARNESS THE MAGICAL ENERGY THAT FLOWS IN YOUR BODY!]
*Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water. Water can flow, water can crash, be like water.
*Whether channeled as a striking display of combat prowess or a subtler focus of defensive ability and speed, this energy infuses all that a monk does.
[YOU HAVE LEVEL UP YOUR TITLE!]
[FEATURE UNLOCKED: KI!]
*Using this energy, monks channel uncanny speed and strength into their strikes. As they gain experience, their martial training and their mastery of KI gives them more power over their bodies and the bodies of their foes. Monks make careful study of a spiritual energy that most monastic traditions call KI. This energy is an element of the magic that permeates the multiverse—specifically, the element that flows through living bodies.
*They harness this power within themselves to create supernatural effects and exceed their bodies' physical capabilities, and some of their special attacks can hinder the flow of KI in their opponents. You gain more KI Points as your title reaches higher levels, regaining them all when you finish a Short rest.
[CURRENT KI-FUELED MOVES:]
**Flurry of Blows: You can spend 1 KI point to make three consecutive strikes so fast that they appear to be a single one.
**Patient Defense: You can spend 1 KI point to instantly dodge any regular attack, be it ranged or melee.
**Step of the Wind: You can spend 1 KI point to momentarily run twice as fast, or have your jump distance doubled.
…
Gotta say, I can't recall ever hearing about a Sorcerer-Barbarian-Monk in my life.
Heh.
Very neat indeed.
I was so hyped for it that I managed to level it up one more time.
Unfortunately, despite working on it every day for the past years, I'm still unable to use my growing mana reserves outside of my body.
Minor inconveniences though, as a small kid I was working on being able to fend for myself if someone attacked me due to my ability of casting spells, since most might conclude that I am some sort of demon.
But on the plus side, I got a couple of levels in my skills and a new freaking title.
{DUE TO CONSTANT AND RIGOROUS TRAINING, YOU HAVE GAINED +1 END!}
Nice!
With diligent work, I can keep raising it to avoid fainting again, perhaps even surpassing the regular amount humans' had with my Ki and Rage.
{DUE TO USE OF YOUR MUSCLES IN ACCOMPLISHING NEW ACROBATIC MOVES YOU GAINED +1 MOB}
{A SKILL HAS LEVELED UP!}
{ACROBATICS, LV - 10 (5%)}
{ALLOWS YOU TO PERFORM GYMNASTICS FEATS. YOU CAN BE AS AGILE AS A CAT AND UNPREDICTABLE AS A MONKEY.}
{COST -25 SP PER MINUTE OF NON-STOP MOVEMENT.}
Yeah!
Although I can finally do a backflip now, for now, it would be better to avoid doing it in front of adults.
{DUE TO CONSTANT USAGE SKILL HAS EVOLVED! RUNNING LV - 14 (9%)}
{PASSIVELY INCREASES MOVEMENT SPEED AND THE SPEED WILL INCREASE FURTHER WHEN ACTIVE. YOU CAN TRAVERSE LONGER DISTANCES QUICKER AND FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME.}
{COSTS -40 SP PER MINUTE. MAX VELOCITY: 7 KM/H.}
Satisfied with my reward I closed the window in front of me and started my day.
After I brought some books back to Pycelle's chamber, who now had taken me as his apprentice, a blonde girl knocked on the door and asked for Lord Arryn's medicine, stating that she would deliver them to him personally.
Having spent my time leveling up the skill, I OBSERVED her and immediately my eyes widened in surprise.
{ALYSSE ARRYN, DAUGHTER OF JON ARRYN.}
LV: 19
RACE: ANDAL
PWR: 14
END: 16
MOB: 17
INT: 19
STL: 15
DEF: 0
{Alysse Arryn is the oldest and only child of Jon Arryn and the late wife Jeyne Royce. She lived with her father and stepmother, Lyssa Tully, in the Red Keep and had been studying under her father's teaching. She is currently indifferent towards the Crown Prince, but finds his hair and eyes very cute.}
Whoa!
She is an original character!
I recovered from my shock without changing my poker face, then proceeded to communicate her request to the Grand Maester.
As the blue eyed girl received the medicine she was sent to fetch and left, Pycelle had decided to test my knowledge about all the medications that were being given.
So after I named the last medicine and explained its use, he told me to organize the papers on his desk.
Without protest I did just that, taking the opportunity to check the "Latest gossip of the Known World" on the letters the Grand Maester received from the Citadel.
Hum…
As predicted, the shortening of seasons was taking a really heavy toll on everyone. Even the Reach has reported a great decrease in their production of food.
What else?
The North is somehow colder during winter, Dorne is hotter during summer and the Iron Islands… are unnaturally quiet.
Hum…
The Stormlands' climate appears to be slowly extending over the Crownlands' borders (probably also my fault), the Vale is having some problems with mountain clans, the Riverlands and Westerlands are having some spikes in criminal activity.
The runaway Targaryens are still managing to somehow evade capture.
Oh, and the men of the Night's Watch are asking for more provisions, but assuming that from that point north things haven't changed that much, it probably means that the Wildlings are becoming an inconvenience again.
As for the Citadel itself…
So...the Glass Candles that have not burned in a hundred years, have begun burning again.
Not surprising, given that I am living proof that Magic is slowly but surely returning to this world.
I almost pitted these men of science.
Almost.
Anyway…
After finishing my task, I walked out of the Grand Maester's office and had just reached the hallway when I noticed a tall and bulky man dressed in a yellow garb with a black stag stamped on its chest.
Followed by a slightly younger version of him dressed plainly in a dark grey wool tunic, a yellow mantle and plain black leather belt.
I used Observe on them.
{ROBERT BARATHEON, KING OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.}
LV: 35
RACE: ANDAL
PWR: 39
END: 38
MOB: 27
INT: 21
STL: 15
DEF: 0
{Robert is the King, despite hating all the titles and responsibilities that came with it. He is well known for hating Targaryens in general and disliked his son in particular due to his appearance reminding him of his cousin who kidnapped his beloved Lyanna Stark. Robert was raised by Jon Arryn as his foster son alongside Eddard Stark, and received their support when the rebellion started. He loves to drink, eat, hunt and fuck.}
In other words, Father.
The Demon of the Trident.
The Whoremonger King.
Or just Usurper to some.
I had to admit, I'm slightly disappointed at his stats.
Of course he is physically stronger than me, I'm still a kid!
But I'm almost as Intelligent and as Stealthy as him, a grown man that has led men into war and hid from enemy forces at Stony Step.
The only thing I cared for sure about him was tracking all his bastards, and not to get rid of them, but for now I'm unable to ask about my lowborn half-siblings without raising suspicion.
As for the one in his shadow, both metaphorically and literally, was one of my uncles from my father's side of the family, who funnily enough reminded me of a younger version of Jude Law.
{STANNIS BARATHEON, LORD OF DRAGONSTONE AND MASTER OF SHIPS.}
LV: 32
RACE: ANDAL
PWR: 35
END: 34
MOB: 29
INT: 29
STL: 19
DEF: 0
{Stannis Baratheon is the second born son of Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, and Lady Cassana Estermont. He has an older brother, King Robert I Baratheon, and a younger brother, Renly Baratheon. Stannis is a serious, stubborn, rarely-forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice. He is proud and protective of his honor. Stannis is a competent commander, sailor, and warrior with no thirst for battle, instead standing out while commanding from the rear. He doesn't have the affection of nobles or smallfolk, and is becoming increasingly embittered by the lack of affection he receives from Robert, even though he serves the king as well as he can.}
Stannis the Mannis, Azor Ahai reborn and The Prince That Was Promised to some.
But the Unsmiling Lord, Resentful and Bitter Middle Child for others.
At his early twenties he still lacked the baldness I'm sure would eventually happen to him.
Frankly, for all of his flaws, Stannis had my sympathy.
The man always did his duties but was never appreciated by his own brothers, quite the contrary I would argue.
Robert might've given Dragonstone to him believing it was the natural thing to do, giving at the time he was his only heir.
But as soon as I was born Robert should have had me shipped away with one or two Kingsguards to live there, since he didn't really appreciate having me around, and returned Storm's End to Stannis.
Come to think of it, why didn't he?
I'm not saying I wanted it, but that would've been the logical solution for him to kill both birds with one stone.
Perhaps mother simply wouldn't allow it, more to spite him than for true fondness of me.
Regardless, I wasn't too keen on wasting my time with the Baratheon duo anyway.
But as most people were slowly finding out, Robert fled from his responsibilities as King as if it was the plague, so when he noticed me he immediately found a way to procrastinate his duties as King for a little longer.
He then suddenly signaled for me to approach, silencing his younger brother who was counseling him in regards to something apparently very serious.
"Boy, what are you doing so far from your room? Causing trouble, are you?" Spoke Robert with a semblance of interest, although not enough to appear as if he truly cared for me.
'I see, you are trying to find something in me that you can relate to. In that case, this is the perfect time to complete another quest I've been keeping collecting dust.'
I immediately thought about how to frame my next words eloquently, simply shaking my head in disagreement as I bowed lightly.
"Greetings, father… uncle." I received a nod from Stannis, who showed a semblance of respect for me, thanks to the way I behaved since birth. "You know me, I'm not one to cause trouble at all. It's just that I've finished aiding Grand Maester Pycelle for the day and was actually on my way to speak with you."
Robert raised an eyebrow and spoke impatiently, not really caring for how far my etiquette had progressed. "Well then, spit it out already what you want with me boy!"
Putting my plan into motion I asked him politely. "Father, I request to begin with my combat lessons. As you can see, I'm strong and big enough to swing a wooden sword around, so I might as well learn how to do it properly. I would suggest for me to become the Lord Commander's page. He had recently complimented my athletic capabilities and I'm certain would be very open to teach me the appropriate way of combat."
The six and a half feet King, followed by his inch shorter brother, seemed to accept it quite gladly as he patted me on my head.
"By the gods, I thought you were nothing more than a bookworm craven! Ha!" However, he soon became serious again and questioned. "But aren't you still too young for that? Even I received my first bashing from my tutor when I was over my sixth name day! You think I want to hear your mother complaining to me all day long?!"
I mentally sighed without showing anything through my facial expression, noticing even Stannis was curious for my justification. 'You are testing me, aren't you?'
And so I answered my father with great conviction behind my words, opting for boldness instead of solely relying on fancy vocabulary. "I'm aware that I might be young, father. But Pycelle himself said that I am much taller and mature than other children my age, possibly even compared to those almost twice as old. So I want to take full advantage of my natural gifts, I want to not be defenseless and become capable of defending those I care about."
This caught the King off guard, probably got him in one of those nostalgic memories from his childhood.
Even Stannis showed a semblance of approval.
Regardless, after Robert recovered from his nostalgic memories he responded loudly.
"That's the spirit boy! Don't worry then, I will definitely speak with Barristan about taking you as a page. If he accepts, I expect you to back up those words of yours. You surely know how to talk the talk, but now I want to see you walk the walk as well."
"I swear I will." I replied shortly while keeping my serious expression, I could see it somehow making my words more believable despite my younger age.
"Good to know. Well, I need to go now. Go see your mother! I believe she was looking for you." He ordered before leaving for his commitment, the one he had stalled for long enough now.
"You do well to choose wisely what to do with your time, young Prince. It is not a question of wanting, rather you like it or not, it also befalls on you to continue the work your father and I are doing. You have a duty to the realm." Stannis told me with his serious demeanor. "With luck you might have the insight to do what even your father isn't willing to."
Taking the perfect opportunity to impress him once again, I replied with. "I never asked for this, uncle. Yet I do not dare to disregard it. I'm well aware that we do not choose our destinies. But we must do our duty. Be it great or small, we must do our duty."
That left the Lord of Dragonstone completely speechless, relying solely on a nod to end our brief exchange and follow his older brother to the Small council.
{QUEST COMPLETED!}
{FIRST STEP TO LEARN HOW TO FIGHT: FIND A WAY TO BE TAUGHT THE BASICS OF COMBAT, SO YOU CAN STOP BEING A WEAKLING!}
{BONUS CONDITION: BE ACCEPTED BY AN ELITE TUTOR THAT WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE FIGHTING MECHANICS.}
{REWARD: 200 XP}
Hearing the familiar warrior's war cry noise again, a window popped up.
{YOU HAVE LEVELED UP!}
'It appears that Ser Barristan the Bold will accept me as his page after all.' I thought, now finally breaking my cold expression with a grin as I began to make my way towards my mother, the Queen.
Taking the opportunity to check on my status window while in my way, I came to an obvious conclusion.
=================================
TITLE: Durrandon Baratheon (Sorcerer-Lv3/Barbarian-Lv3/Monk-Lv2)
LEVEL: 6 (0%)
HP: 60/60
SP: 60/60
MP: 6/6*
MAGIC CONTROL:47%
SORCERY POINTS: 3
BARBARIC RAGE: 3
KI POINTS: 3
ALLEGIANCE: The Iron Throne
PWR: <10>
END: <12>
MOB: <16>
INT: <18>
STL: <14>
DEF: 0
POINTS: 6
SKILLS: ~open list~
PERKS: Player's Body/ Prodigy/ Mental Map/ Player's Mind/ Sleep is for the Dead/ Metamagic Genius
FEATURES: ~open list~
TRAITS: ~open list~
TIME PLAYED: 4 years
MONEY: 1000 NEXUS COIN
($) MARKET
=================================
Hum...
It's becoming considerably hard to level up with simple quests.
Hopefully, my studies and combat training will not only break the insufferable monotony of my constant grinding of basic skills, but also change that growing rate as well.
After climbing the stairs to reach the King and Queen bedchamber, I was greeted by my other uncle standing guard, whose appearance resembled his Live action actor the most.
Though understandably younger, give the difference in age between Books and Tv Series.
{JAIME LANNISTER OF THE KINGSGUARD, KINGSLAYER.}
LV: 34
RACE: ?
PWR: 35
END: 32
MOB: 36
INT: 21
STL: 26
DEF: 40* (Castle-forged steel Plate armor: Piercing/Slashing +100% Damage Resistance/ Bludgeoning +50% Damage Resistance)
{Ser Jaime Lannister, is known as the second child and oldest son of Tywin Lannister with the late Joanna Lannister, being the twin brother of Queen Cersei. Raised at the age of fifteen to the Kingsguard of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, Jaime became the youngest member in the history of the prestigious knightly order. He earned the derogatory nickname "Kingslayer" when he treasonously slew Aerys near the end of Robert's Rebellion. He is sympathetic towards his nephew, seeing so much of Tyrion in him.}
"Dear nephew, it's so good to see you. By the Gods, are you sure you are still four Name Days old? You appear to be at least six." Jaime greeted me with an elegant smile that faltered for a moment once the cries of a baby came from the Queen's chamber. "Ah…I'm almost sure your mother might need your help."
"So I've heard from my father." I acknowledged with a friendly smile. "It's good to see you too, by the way, uncle."
Jaime winked before knocking on the door for me and announced my name.
As the door opened for me, I was greeted by the mesmerizing view of Queen Cersei.
No wonder Jaime would risk everything for her.
She was a strikingly beautiful young woman, with golden hair, emerald green eyes, fair skin, and a slender, graceful figure.
The Queen's fine gown was a black silk with red rubies sown into the bodice and her jewelry were a golden ring with a large emerald, a necklace of diamonds and emeralds, and a golden necklace with a large emerald.
Her jeweled tiara was also decorated with emeralds.
Classic mother, always flaunting wealth even while taking care of her babies.
But just to make sure she wasn't a faceless man in disguise I OBSERVED her.
{CERSEI BARATHEON, QUEEN OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.}
LV: 30
RACE: ?
PWR: 17
END: 19
MOB: 17
INT: 25
STL: 26
DEF: 0
{Cersei is known as the daughter of Tywin Lannister with the late Joanna Lannister. She lives with her husband, the King in the Red Keep and had been cheating on him with her own brother Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard.
She is indifferent towards her firstborn son, but finds his hair and eyes very cute.}
Again with finding my hair and eyes cute?!
Goodness, all my work with helping out the folk in the Red Keep didn't help me win over anyone other than Pycelle and Jayne.
I almost facepalmed, clearly Cersei wasn't one to care for such matters anyway.
Though I should consider myself lucky that she didn't grow to see me with more disdain for doing such simple tasks for those she considered so beneath her.
As I gave her a respectful bow, I said. "Greetings mother, how was your sleep? Did those two give you too much trouble?"
The Queen's smiling expression faltered for a second but she later recomposed herself as she guessed my "actual meaning".
"Ah yes my darling, your siblings were quite agitated last night. Your brother couldn't sleep because of your sister. And your sister only stopped crying because she fell asleep. It would be good if you came more frequently from time to time. You know she only stops crying when you sing for her."
'Ah yes, thanks to her I acquired "Singing" as a skill. I'm pretty much an averagely good singer all and all.' I recalled.
You might still be confused.
Siblings, already?
Yup, in case you haven't paid attention when I pointed it out last year, Cersei gave birth to twins.
Yeah, you heard me right, Twins!!
And they have 100% Lannister traits.
Golden hair and green emerald eyes to match.
Their names were Lann and Joanna, quite original names they have, don't they?
No, they don't.
Mother actually wanted to call him Lannister because of my name, but changed her mind and settled with Lann.
Let's all hope he is as clever as his namesake ancestor supposedly was.
Or at least more clever than the original Joffrey was.
As for Joanna, or Anna, as I enjoyed calling her, she was my little princess.
Perhaps I was guilty of spoiling her, but it's not like I was her father or something like it. So it wasn't my responsibility to act as the bad cop and demand that she behaved like a lady.
If father and mother were too busy fucking other people out of their wedlock to care, that's their problem, I will keep spoiling my little Anna.
Anyways, I eventually answered her. "Sorry Mother. I was so occupied with my studies and in helping the Grand Maester that I've missed the chance to aid you. But I'll make sure to change that."
She smiled and hugged me.
Frankly, I just opted for not mentioning my recent request to my father about starting my combat classes.
Better avoid making questions that I don't want to hear the answers to, since I preferred asking forgiveness than requesting permission.
"Whaaaa!" We both heard the sound of a crying baby refusing to be put to sleep.
Cersei sighed, and for a brief moment the years as a mother appeared to have taken a toll on her beauty.
"Don't worry, I will calm her down." I assured my mother and received a smile of gratitude from her.
Walking towards the twins, I noticed they were placed on the same cradle, probably because they never stopped fighting otherwise.
"Shhh. Calm down, my dear, your big brother is here." I told my little Anna, immediately noticing her calming down and raising her arms for me to pick her up.
And so I did, very gently so as not to hurt her.
"Dondon." Joanna attempted to say my name while chuckling at me with her cute smile, completely forgetting that she was crying just a second ago.
"Yes, it's me. How are you doing, Anna?" I replied with my own smile. "I've heard that you are having trouble going to sleep."
Noticing that Lann was irritated by his twin's constant wailing, I calmed him as well, picking him up so as not to make him grow jealous. "Hey there buddy, don't worry, she won't continue to bother you."
Generally, the two couldn't stand one another, but only when I was around they at least cared to behave.
"So, what about a lullaby?" I asked not really expecting a proper answer from my half siblings. "Lann, the first one is for you." Then I began to sing some lyrics I recalled from a Cartoon I watched in my previous life. "Leaves from the vine, falling so slow, like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the foam. Little soldier boy, come marching home. Brave soldier boy, comes marching home."
The golden twins remained silent in my arms as I repeated the lyrics one more time, with Lann eventually falling asleep with a smile on his face by the end of it.
"Now you, Anna my dear." Looking at the still awake Joanna, I began my second song. "Let me sing a lullaby, as you close your eyes. And as you're drifting off to sleep, how I hope that the dreams that you find are bright."
Taking a quick glimpse at my mother, I noticed even she was moved by my voice.
"Love, can we meet again soon in the bluest of skies? Where a tomorrow waits for you and I." I met the melodious tones as best as I could with my voice. "So hold me tight one more time, but don't kiss me goodbye. Because I know that I'll see you on the next twilight."
I looked Joanna in the eyes again, noticing that by that point she was fighting her sleep.
"I will think of our song when the nights are too long. I'll dream of you for that's where I belong. Love, can we meet again soon in the bluest of skies. Only, in my dreams, do we meet again?"
Cersei grasped my shoulders with a slight semblance of motherly love I wasn't expecting and whispered. "Thank you, my little Lion."
Merely nodding in acknowledgment, I placed the babies on the cradle and kissed my sleeping half siblings, each in their foreheads, and gave mother my farewell.
—————————————————————
A few days later, I tracked down Ser Barristan, who was waiting for me at the training yard, and spoke with him about tutoring me and giving me my first lesson.
In similar fashion to Robert, although less loudly, The Lord Commander was clearly happy that I've actually decided to learn how to fight.
If I recall correctly, at the age of ten, he donned the armor of a mystery knight and entered a tourney at Blackhaven.
Prince Duncan Targaryen took pity on the small mystery knight while others laughed.
Duncan himself jousted Barristan when no one else would and it was the prince who gave Barristan his epithet.
Barristan received his knighthood at the age of sixteen from King Aegon V Targaryen after unhorsing the very same Prince Duncan and Ser Duncan the Tall, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by that time, at a winter tourney in King's Landing.
{BARRISTAN SELMY, LORD COMMANDER OF THE KINGSGUARD}
LV: 40
RACE: ANDAL
ALLEGIANCE: THE IRON THRONE
PWR: 42
END: 40
MOB: 37
INT: 29
STL: 30
DEF: 40* (Castle-forged steel Plate armor: Piercing/Slashing +100% Damage Resistance/ Bludgeoning +50% Damage Resistance)
{Barristan is considered one of the most skilled and respected knights in the Seven Kingdoms, considered to be made of the true steel that marks a Kingsguard knight. Comparable in skill to the acclaimed Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. A dutiful and gallant man, Barristan dislikes tricks and scheming. While some do not consider him cunning, Barristan can speak some of the High Valyrian of the Free Cities and the mongrel Ghiscari of Slaver's Bay.}
As much as I recognized his valor, like every aspiring fighter should, I wager I would surpass him with time.
Perhaps Barristan himself was confident that I could too with the appropriate training.
"As you wish, my Prince." He said with a respectful bow and a subtle smile.
{QUEST ALERT!}
{COMBAT TRAINING! TRAIN UNDER THE LORD COMMANDER OF THE KINGSGUARD AT THE ART OF COMBAT!}
{BONUS REWARD: TAKE TEN OR FEWER 'FATAL' BLOWS}
{SUCCESS: 250 XP}
{OPTIONAL: 300 XP + AN IRON DAGGER}
{FAILURE: MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SURPRISE EVERYONE}
{ACCEPT?}
[YES/NO]
I gave a mental nod.
{BLOWS TAKEN: 0/10}
In this current life I was only 4, but even if I took my previous life into consideration, I wasn't that experienced in actual combat.
Imagine those viral videos with toddlers Swinging a baseball bat toy at their caretakers, but I was slightly taller, bulkier and more dexterous than those kids.
I wasn't that scared of my chances.
But then again, my sparring partner would be Barristan The motherfucking Bold.
And he was more than a decade younger than he was during the book/tv series, where it was common consent that he was one of the greatest fighters the Seven Kingdoms had ever seen.
Man, I still had much to learn!
But fortunately he clearly was willing enough to even accept a four years old as his page.
Interestingly, I discovered the damage I could inflict with weapons of any kind wasn't dependent on a set number value.
I was actively getting deadlier by becoming used to waving a weapon around.
Even punching and kicking, while attempting to mimic some martial arts from my previous life, led me to some similar results.
And my higher intelligence helped immensely as I tried to understand the rules of combat and battle strategy.
Another curious fact, even if I increased my maximum damage, I was still able to choose if I wanted to inflict less damage.
I was basically mastering how much output of force I was impacting my target, and in doing so, I was spared from one day becoming an One-Punch man without control.
Very neat!
Though I was still aware of the different types of damage, non magical ones for now, being…
Bludgeoning or Blunt damage. Hammers, clubs, anything that's just a solid object hitting a creature will deal this type of damage.
Piercing. I prefer calling this stabbing damage. It's what happens when you use a pointy object. An arrow, a spear, or maybe even caltrops spread around the ground would likely deal this kind of damage.
If piercing is stabbing, slashing can be simplified to cutting. I was going to deal this type of damage with most swords and axes; basically, any edge blade or item that works like an edged blade.
Really really dope!
But back to my quest.
It wasn't for nothing that Ser Barristan was sworn into the Kingsguard.
He played with me, for the most part.
I managed to keep myself from making too many stupid mistakes by spending a Ki point in order to dodge one of his best strikes, which surprised him immensely, given my body's age.
I believe I even managed to scare him a little by entering my state of Rage in complete silence.
And it was all well worthy, as I managed to complete the quest AND the bonus objective, if only barely.
I suppressed my childish chuckle with Player's Mind as I received the XP, and heard the familiar sound of a warrior's battle cry in my head as a familiar window appeared once again.
{LEVEL UP!}
{LEVEL 7}
{YOU HAVE 11 REMAINING POINTS TO SPEND!}
"Ugh." I groaned as I almost fell to the ground exhausted.
Thankfully leveling up brought all my Stamina points back to normal, otherwise I would have certainly embarrassed myself before the legendary Kingsguard after getting this far.
"That was good for the day, my Prince." Barristan said as he signaled for me to return the wooden sword. "Now, I still have my duties for the day. This is a good stopping point." He said as he walked away.
"One moment, please!" I said as I ignored my status window and ran towards him.
Barristan turned to me, with a curious and amused look on his face. "You recover fast, my Prince. Even after such exercise do you still have energy to keep moving? Perhaps this tutoring of mine will be the best decision I've made in years."
"Thanks for the compliment, but I've been meaning to ask you. Is there any way to practice by myself, maybe a book or some exercises?" I asked, hoping there was a way to grind a few levels of my fighting skills.
Barristan smiled heartily. "You wish to employ martial techniques passed down through generations?"
I politely nodded back.
"To some fighters, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy." He began explaining to me. "But not every combatant absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the mastery of battle."
"But those who do are well-rounded combatants of great skill and knowledge, aren't they?" I basically guessed where he was leading me to.
Barristan nodded with a satisfied smile.
"Perhaps I will have some of the old treaties and instructions I've got from my senior Kingsguards in regards to the westerosi Iron Style once I joined the order." He said before stopping himself with the melancholy of outliving most of them. "But remember…Swordplay isn't something you can learn everything from a book, my Prince. I would also suggest that you hit that wooden dummy over there to practice what I just taught you. Other than that, you can familiarize yourself with those heavy equipment, they will aid you with getting stronger." Barristan said, pointing at the objects on the other side of the sparring yard. "Just don't push yourself too much."
I looked, and sure enough there were a couple of dummies, next to it was a barrel of heavy armor and dulled weapons that were set for practice.
"Thank you, Lord Commander, I will respect my limits." I lied, barely paying attention to the man walking away from me.
I was too engrossed with the prospect of finally finding grinding entertaining again.
Even had the Master-at-arms to settle a few practice targets for me to begin practicing my aim.
Since bows of any type were out of the question for my still inferior arm span, I had the pleasure of handling the classic medieval crossbow.
All in all, this was promising.
After spending some hours physically and mentally preparing myself for the wars to come, I set myself ready and walked towards the Red Keep, retreating to my room before requesting a bath from Jayne.
With the iron dagger I gained from my quest hidden in my boot for safety measures.
Twirling and sharpening it whenever I had the opportunity to practice without being watched, though throwing it with precision was easier said than done.
I even managed to slowly hide a small amount of money without raising suspicion, more or less around 20 silver stags from several sources.
Other than that, I also had a small list of mundane objects to collect and hide in case the worst happened and I had to run away.
Rope for its broad range of use, from restraining people to make a rope pulley system.
Chalk to help make small marks around places in order to not get lost or leave behind messages.
Pitons to jam doors, climb up and down steep cliff sides, or anchor something to the ground.
Small sledge hammer, block and tackle to work on some ingenious systems.
Colored wax candles to rub interesting carvings or writing marks from a book with a missing page.
Fishing line and bell to set up some trip lines, or even fish something for me to eat.
A bag of flour to find currents of air underground and even an improvised explosive trap.
Sand and crushed glass to blind foes.
A bag of caltrops for slowing down anyone pursuing me.
Signal whistle, soap, empty sacks, crowbar, pepper, salt, fabric, small mirror, flask of oil, waterskin, rations, manacles, flint and steel.
Oh, and masks to properly hide my uncommon facial and hair features.
Though I would like to have some specialized kits and tools.
Suffice to say that I wasn't willing to leave anything to chance, so I constantly prepared myself for the worse.
—————————————————————
(03/08/2020)
(28/09/2021)
(24/02/2022)
*Hey there! Thanks for reading my work! I hope this chapter is of your liking.
Any ideas for perks, skills and anything else that might be a good match with my fic is more than welcomed. I might not use anything, but you will have my gratitude for trying.
If this chapter is a mess of grammatical errors, please wait, I'll try to fix it as fast as I can. But for that I need your feedback.
Thanks as always for your time, hope you have a fantastic day and please stay safe. 👋 Bye.
