61 House of Lords

Queen Iya sat comfortably on her throne. "Where is Knight Commander Rourke?"

Her top aide and childhood friend Clariss shook her head. "There's been no word since you ordered him to Briar Rose." Clariss was a thin-faced woman with a pinched nose and dark eyes. Her black hair was liberally peppered with white.

Iya frowned and motioned for her page to bring more wine. "What of Chancellor Ivy?"

Clariss frowned as if she'd bitten into something sour. "No word of her since she escaped custody. Rumor has it she is hiding at Briar Rose."

Iya considered sending more troops to Briar Rose but decided against it. She had recently received word that Righteous Hand failed in their quest to take One Problem Keep. "Commander Rourke is either dead or captured."

Clariss made no comment; she had come to the same conclusion. A race of white-haired people with dark skin and lavender eyes were currently residing in Briar Rose; all indications said they were not to be trifled with.

Iya glanced at the two heroes standing off to one side. With their help, she had been able to frame someone else for the murder of her husband. However, instead of nabbing Princess Lilly's spymaster, they grabbed a hornet nest instead. The hero known as QJ had many powerful allies, some belonging to races that no one had ever seen.

"On the day of my coronation, One Problem Keep and Briar Rose will be given to Righteous Hand." Since Iya wasn't a direct line inheritor of the throne, her ascension must be approved by the Lords of the Kingdom. Princess Lilliana had already summoned them for a meeting.

Hanza bowed his head deeply. His younger brother was the 3rd year class's top wrangler, and it was generally believed that he would rise to stardom in the new server. When Dover was captured by the Spider Queen, it became necessary for Hanza to start an alt on the Phoenix server to push things along. In a relatively short period of time, they managed to annex more than a dozen smaller guilds while building up a roster of solid players. Legend's Righteous Hand was secretly funneling him funds and equipment. "Thank you, my Queen."

Only three of the server's top guilds ignored him when he suggested an alliance, Chupa Lupa, Gunsmoke, and Old Skool.

Boce stared at Hanza for a moment and then also bowed. He had followed Dover's lead when he had uncovered a hidden Main Quest to assassinate the King. Unfortunately, they missed Annabelle and had to make do with QJ. The freshmen ace continually went out of his way to show up his seniors. Just because his family was powerful, he thought himself above the rest of them. His eyes caught a message on his hud. "Dessi recalled everyone to Exodus Academy."

Hanza sneered at his hud. "You no longer need to listen to that bitch, or the two leaders she appointed. You and Dover should have been her trusted lieutenants, not Maya and Nina." His younger brother had already deguilded, but he had no intention of leaving the Academy.

Boce nodded in agreement. " "I never like those three."

Hanza closed his hud and motioned for him to follow. "When the smoke clears, and the Keep belongs to us, we will invite some of your classmates to join our own guild. Not even Dessi will say no when that happens."

[OP Defense: QJ] Get some rest while we mop up the rest of the quest. Mandatory celebration here at the Keep when we get back.

[OP Defense: Khadi] QJ, Merci Quickill, and her flight are here.

[OP Defense: QJ] Right on time, tell her I'll be out in a minute.

[OP: QJ] My ride is here. I'll leave the rest to you.

[OP: Ringo] The rest of us, along with the Songbirds and a small detachment from Briar Rose, will be fighting our way into the city.

[OP: Lotte] We're the distraction?

[OP: Ringo] Yes...

Mai and Merci Quickill were waiting for him when he exited the Keep a short while later. The young brown wing smiled and hugged QJ close. "Hey, Monkey Butt." QJ ruffled her brown hair before glancing at the Assassin Queen. "Thank you for the lift, Merci."

*Fade*

You have faded from view.

The Assassin Queen smiled at him; her red glowing eyes had no problem seeing him in stealth. "It is my pleasure, young Prince."

"Drop me on the Palace Roof. I'll make my way from there." QJ tried not to think about the fact that he was being carried in the air by the Assassin Queen if his dad were to see it...

Merci dropped him gently on the roof a short while later, "Anything else you need, QJ?"

"No, thank you, Merci. Let my generation, handle it from here," QJ bowed low and entered the Palace through the roof access door. This time he was armored up, carrying weapons, and stealthed. "No way I'm ending up in prison this time."

[Raid: QJ] Let me know when you're in position.

QJ began his search, moving methodically from room to room in an effort to be both fast and thorough. The fifth floor of the palace was mostly living quarters for servants and staff. With the impending battle, most of the workers had abandoned their homes.

Twenty minutes later, QJ took the stairwell leading to the fourth floor. He hadn't bothered taking anything since these rooms belong to the working class.

[Raid: Ringo] We're approaching Maelstrom; Chupa Lupa has joined up. They volunteered to hold the front gate for us.

[Raid: QJ] You guys head for the Throne Room. It's in the southern section of the 2nd floor. I'll be heading down to the third floor in a bit, Sato; meet me there.

QJ made his way down the hall on the fourth floor. The sounds of battle were dim through the thick stone walls. Halfway down the corridor, QJ spotted two guards posted outside of a rather thick set of doors.

[Whisper: QJ/Annabelle] Are you safe?

[Whisper: Annabelle/QJ] For now. Lilly and I are with a squad of Freeborn Guards. We have Kingslayer Dover with us.

[Whisper: QJ/Annabelle] Expect trouble. Hey, what's on the fourth floor that would be heavily guarded?

[Whisper: Annabelle/QJ] Library of sorts, rare and forbidden books. None of those would be heavily guarded. Wait... Are they wearing red?

QJ raised an eyebrow. It was actually a fairly sharp uniform; red coats, with white pants.

[Whisper: QJ/Annabelle] Yep.

[Whisper: Annabelle/QJ] Don't try them without help. The Redguard are strong!

[Whisper: QJ/Annabelle] Understood. Cya soon.

*Lasso*

A Redguard has been roped and is closing in on your position.

*Kneecap*

A Redguard has been slowed by forty percent.

[Aimed Shot]

(Head-Shot Bonus x Critical Hit x 2)

QJ has hit the target for 72,450 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 14,490 damage.

The Redguard was a Halberd Wielder; he slashed downward at QJ while maintaining his distance; QJ managed to deflect most of the damage.

[You have been hit for 10,400 damage.]

QJ parried the attack and counter slashed while firing a round into the guard's chest.

[Slash]

QJ has hit the target for 23,800 damage.

[Snapshot]

QJ has hit the target for 42,400 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 8,480 damage.

[A Redguard has been slain.]

[System Message] You have looted a no-drop item (Library Key 1).

*Lasso*

A Redguard has been roped and is closing in on your position.

*Kneecap*

A Redguard has been slowed by forty percent.

[Aimed Shot]

(Head-Shot Bonus)

QJ has hit the target for 43,450 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 8,690 damage.

[You have been hit for 22,845 damage.]

"Shit! An archer!" QJ charged at the ranger, trying to close the distance quickly.

[You have been Snared.]

Your movement rate has been slowed by sixty percent.

[Aimed Shot]

[Head-Shot Bonus x Critical Hit x 2]

QJ has hit the target for 86,500 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 17,300 damage.

[A Redguard has been slain.]

[System Message] You have looted a no-drop item (Library Key 2).

[System Message] A complete library key has been added to your Keyring.

QJ checked his hud as he moved toward the library door. "I better hurry, or Sato is going to come looking for me."

He pushed the key into the slot, and it turned with a loud click. "The hell..." Almost all the bookshelves were bare. QJ moved toward the books. They were all Skillbooks, nearly a dozen of them. He quickly put them in his inventory; his Guildies would need some upgrades; hopefully, there was something nice for them.

QJ was on his way out when a lone book on the very top shelf caught his eye. "Damn... no ladder either." He quickly climbed the shelves and grabbed the book. It was tattered and worn beyond belief. He smiled when he read the description.

[Skill Book: Whip]

Weapon Type: Edge

Description: This grants the Whip weapon

skill to the reader.

"Um... yeah, I'm taking this one."

[System Message] Do you wish to learn the Weapon Skill: Whip?

"Yes."

*Fade*

You have faded from view.

QJ ran down the hall and entered the stairway.

[Group: Sato] Hey, Bro! Where the heck are you?

[Group: QJ] On the stairs, coming to the third level now.

QJ spied Sato the moment he came down the stairs. "Is that you being incognito?"

Sato was trying to pry open a chest that he had dragged out of one of the bedrooms. "There's probably serious loot in here, bro. Help me crack it open!"

QJ tried his best to keep a straight face. "Those are probably personal items." He drew his weapon and slashed downward at the hinges on the back.

Sato just stared at him, "Bro... make me one of those!' He pried open the chest from the broken hinges, frowning at the women's lingerie spilling onto the floor.

QJ took a quick screenshot when Sato held up a pair of lady's briefs. "Those look like your size."

Sato stood up. "You take a screenshot just now?"

"Nope." QJ brought up his hud. "Let's look for the Queen's chambers. There's no indicator, so we'll have to search everything. Skip the smaller rooms."

Sato pointed down the hall, "I'll take this end. I'm keeping any loot I find, Bro!"

QJ nodded and stealthed immediately. "Not going to judge your lingerie habit."

[Raid: Ringo] Heavy resistance QJ.

[Raid: QJ] Need us to assist?

[Raid: Ringo] No, finish your part.

QJ searched for a large suite but skipped the next two because they were too small. They were waiting for him when he stepped into the fourth room. Two assassins on either side of the door. He stepped in quietly without alerting either one.

He slashed across the throat of the nearer one and then immediately fired off a round into the assassin's face.

[Throat Slash]

QJ has hit the target for 12,600 damage.

[Snapshot]

(Critical Strike X 2)

QJ has hit Target for 47,344 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 9,469 damage.

He pulled his shotgun and let loose a blast in the wounded assassin's face and then parried a slash from the second assassin's blade.

[Point Blank]

QJ has hit Target for 12,500 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 2,500 damage.

[A Secret Assassin has been stunned.]

*Parry* [Damage Reduced by sixty percent]

You have been hit for 19,444 damage.

QJ Slashed across the eyes of the second Assassin, forcing him to back away.

[Aimed Shot]

((Head-Shot Bonus, Critical Hit X 2)

QJ has hit Target for 84,544 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 16,909 damage.

[A Secret Assassin has been slain.]

QJ lunged forward and thrust his sword deep into the chest of the stunned Assassin.

[Heart Strike]

QJ has hit Target for 33,255 damage.

[A Secret Assassin has been slain.]

[Raid: QJ] Careful, everyone. I've run into assassins.

*Fade*

You have faded from view.

QJ searched the assassins; they both carried odd-looking, unidentified silver bracelets, which he pocketed. He walked through the common room and glanced quickly into the bathroom. A spacious bedroom with a balcony accessed the bathroom through a large walk-in closet. He stood on the balcony for a moment and then walked back inside.

"That's definitely not right." There was a bookshelf on the wall next to the balcony. It appeared to be several feet thick. He started on the top shelf, tossing books on the floor; halfway through the second shelf, a book he pulled tilted slightly, and a hidden door slid open.

[System Message] You have attained proof that Queen Iya was behind the Assassination of King Quilyn.

[Whisper: Robin/QJ] Retreat at once! There's a high-end Assassin here; Nightingale and Thrush are both wounded.

[Raid: Ringo] Everyone retreat quickly!

[Raid: QJ] What's going on?

[Raid: Lotte] Shit... Ringo just died; something is tearing through all of us, QJ!

The sound of fighting in the courtyard brought QJ's attention back to the balcony. Robin and Wren faced a lean, hooded figure dressed entirely in black. He was armed with long thin blades that looked very deadly.

QJ quickly retreated back into the bedroom.

*Fade*

You have faded from view.

[Whisper: QJ/Serli] You close Gram? Need a cleric in the main courtyard.

[Whisper: Serli/QJ] Hide until this assassin is dealt with, QJ!

"Nope." QJ sprinted toward the balcony; he stepped onto the railing and leaped high into the air while drawing his swordgun.

He pointed it downward, ready to stab and shoot at the same time as the ground rushed up to meet him.

[Aimed Shot]

(Head-Shot Bonus, Critical Hit X 2)

QJ has hit Target for 124,500 damage.

Fire scorches your target for 24,900 damage.

[Weighted Thrust]

[Critical Area Hit X 2]

QJ has hit Target for 105,255 damage.

[Benzo Vidalis has been slain]

QJ crashed into the cobblestones of the courtyard.

[You have been critically injured.]

*Ding 45*

*Ding 46*

*Ding 47*

*Ding 48*

[System Message] You have killed a notorious Assassin. Your World Reputation has increased by 100.

You have been offered a healing by Serli. Do you Accept?

"Yes."

[Your health has been restored.]

Dark hands cupped his face, and the lavender eyes of Serli Jol bore down upon him. "What am I going to do with you, QJ? That was crazy."

QJ got up slowly and hugged her. "Thanks, Gram." He knew she wouldn't scold him further; she was weak against the hugs of her grandson.

Robin stared at him while Serli healed her. "You actually killed him..."

QJ grinned at her, "Yep." He bent down and checked the corpse; on the inside of the left wrist was a small RH tattoo. "Clever..."

"What did you find?" A slim, blue-haired rogue helped Robin up and then turned toward QJ. Nightingale had been smiling a lot more these days. Rumor had it that her relationship with Quinn was going well.

"Righteous Hand tattoo. Gram... is it possible to bring him back to TAP and rez him there?"

"Yes." Serli produced a white pine box from her inventory. QJ's first thought was that it looked exactly like a coffin. The small dark elf cleric tossed him inside like he was weightless, and then the white box disappeared again. "You want your dad and mom to question him?"

QJ nodded. "Tell Mom to include Naomi and Felix Soma."

[Whisper: QJ/Unchained] You've heard of Benzo Vidalis?

[Whisper: Unchained/QJ] God, yes... what a nightmare. He's an assassin that works with Righteous Hand on the Legends Server.

[Whisper: QJ/Unchained] He's here.

[Whisper: Unchained/QJ] Stands to reason. He should be on every server.

[Whisper: QJ/Unchained] No. The Legend's Benzo is here.

[Whisper: Unchained/ QJ] Is that possible?

[Whisper: QJ/Unchained] In theory, if you killed him on every other server.

[Raid: QJ] The main threat is eliminated; everyone meet outside the throne room.

The Songbirds escorted QJ to the Throne Room. By the time he arrived, the rest of OP was there. QJ took a moment to bring the Songbirds into the Raid so that they could hear everything. Annabelle was waiting next to the door, holding a shackled Dover.

[Raid: Breeze] I died twice, QJ! Avenge me!

[Raid: QJ] As long as they left Lotte alone, I'll let it go.

[Raid: Lotte] They didn't get me.

[Raid: Robin] QJ killed Benzo in the Courtyard.

[Raid: Breeze] How the hell did you manage that?

[Raid: QJ] Simultaneous critical hits with blade and gun.

[Raid: Sato] Oh, Shit!

"QJ! Think this through. Righteous Hand has the resources to make OP the top guild on this server. You can be one of the Vice Leaders." Dover must have logged into his account. The 3rd year wrangler was obviously reluctant to lose his character.

"We are already the top guild. Who needs Righteous Hand?" QJ shoved him towards the doors.

Ringo opened the double doors leading to the Throne Room. There were several Lords and Ladies present. Princess Lilly was arguing with the Queen, her face livid with anger. They stopped arguing when QJ's group walked in.

QJ stepped forward. "I have with me, proof that Queen Iya was behind the Assassination of the King."

The throne flashed when the Queen suddenly attempted to seat herself, throwing her face down, a few feet away.

QJ didn't bother to hide the surprise on his face. It was Chainy who cleared it up. "Only the Monarch may sit on the Maelstrom throne. She does not have a direct bloodline to the throne, nor is she nominated by the House of Lords. Regardless of her position, she cannot take the throne until she is given permission."

QJ grinned at the fallen Queen, who was being helped up by her friend Clariss. "A smart chair? I like it."

Chancellor Ivy stepped forward from behind Merci Quickill. "House of Lords! I stand witness that Hero Dover was present at the scene of the assassination! Furthermore, we have proof that he wrote the [Incriminating Note] and possesses both the skill and motive to carry out this heinous crime!"

"Dover had nothing to do with it!" Hanza stepped forward and addressed the court. "He was attempting to prevent the assassination. Like QJ, he was caught up in the Queen's plot."

"LIES!" Queen Iya screeched at the House of Lords. "I hired Dover to protect the King. Instead, he conspired with Princess Lilliana to kill him."

QJ stepped into the center of the room and placed a scroll on the table. "I have here, [Proof of Guilt] a written communication between Queen Iya and Dover."

[Quest Updated]

[System Message] You have completed [Guild Quest: Main Event (Part Two)]

[System Message] You have completed the Bonus Option of your Guild Quest.

[System Message] Princess Lilliana Strom is named Ruling Steward of Maelstrom while the House of Lords debates Maelstrom's line of Ascension.

Chancellor Ivy gestured to the throne, "Princess Lilly, please take your seat. The throne will recognize you until the House of Lords makes an official ruling.

Lilly hugged her spymaster; both women were holding back their emotions. "Annie... you've always protected me. Even going as far as to become my spymaster."

Lilly sat down on the throne; instantly, it glowed with welcoming light.

"All hail Steward Lilianna Strom." Ivy bowed her head deeply.

Annabelle favored QJ with a warm smile and advanced until she was within arm's reach. "You surrendered on the roof so that I wouldn't get caught."

QJ gave her a bewildered look. "Hmm? No, I thought you had left already."

"Don't believe him, Annabelle." Robin shrugged apologetically at her boyfriend. The spymaster had visited her at the Keep, and the two of them had formed a loose alliance. "He surrendered to keep you from being captured."

Annabelle nodded, "as I thought. You've continually shown yourself to be someone worthy of trust and friendship." She hugged him close, kissing the side of his face.

Lilly looked toward the throne and sighed. "I came to Maelstrom to get to know my father better. In the end, we barely spoke at all."

[System Message] The One Problem Guild has completed a Major Faction Event, and all member levels are increased by two.

"Guards arrest my father's wife and her conspirators." Lilly pointed to Dover, Hanza, and Boce. "Iya, you will stand trial in front of the House of Lords. Bring those three heroes to the block and remove their heads immediately."

Annabelle moved to Lilly's side and received a gold scroll. The spymaster walked over to Ringo and handed it to her.

[System Message] One Problem Guild Keep has been upgraded to City Fort. You may invite merchants to set up permanent businesses. Six hamlets have been placed under your control. Your territory has expanded. Guild Leader Ringo has been promoted to Countess.

[Phoenix Server Announcement] Sandhealer Faction Leader QJ is the first player to reach level 50.

[System Message] You have received the Shield of Justice Title: +2 to all stats.

[System Message] You have been awarded Three Hundred Thousand Credits.

[System Message] Your World Reputation has been increased by 10.

[Raid: Ringo] Um... when did you find the time to level up?

[Raid: Breeze] This is BS! How am I going to catch you?

[Raid: Lotte] So unfair, QJ.

[Raid: Robin] Benzo Vidalis, Level 154 Assassin. When QJ killed him in the Courtyard, he advanced four levels.

[Raid: Sato] Bruh...

[Raid: Nightingale] Link your stats QJ. I'm very curious.

[Raid: QJ] Sure.

[QJ]

Sandhealer Faction Leader

Wrangler: Level 50

Agility 62

Perception 62

Stamina 49

Wisdom 36

Strength 47

Command 32

Total BR: 12

Skills

Whip 10/100

Pistol V 11/100 Level 2

Shotgun IV 23/100 Level 2

Grand Master Gunsmith: Magnum Opus: 2 [+6 to all Stats]

Indomitable Will

+5 All stats, immune

to curses.

[Raid: Wren] OO... A whip skill? That's interesting.

[Raid: Thrush] Did Robin teach you that?

[Raid: QJ] Very funny. Let's wrap this up. I do believe we have a celebration waiting for us. However, given that the Keep is going to be upgraded let's move the party.

[OP: QJ] We're moving the celebration to Briar Rose. Please let our allies know.

[OP: Sara] I'm on it, QJ. Good job, everyone!

QJ said goodbye to Annabelle and Steward Lilly. Most of OP planned to stop by the Keep, before heading to the celebration. Ringo and QJ rode together toward Briar Rose.

"Looks like the Keep will be upgrading again." Ringo glanced at her Vice Commander. "Impressive work all around. I never imagined we'd be so successful."

QJ handed her the dozen skill books that he had collected in the Library. "We can use these to make the Guild even stronger."

"Wow..." Ringo looked at each of them. All of them were trade skills; those were the hardest to get in GnG. Unlike other games, there wasn't a large population of people concentrating on trades. It was one of the reasons why NPC crafters were highly sought after.

"Think Dessi is going to be upset?" QJ hadn't contacted her since the 3rd years took a few days off. Her two students had been beheaded before OP even left the Courtyard. QJ could tell by the way they walked to the block that both 3rd years had logged off beforehand.

"No, if anything, she's going to blame herself."

QJ pursed his lips, thinking hard about Dover and Boce. "Dover and Boce are done, but let's be realistic. They'll reroll new characters and join RH. We haven't seen the last of them."

Ringo smiled at him, "I agree. Although, it won't be anytime soon. Even with bonus xp, it will take several weeks of grinding to catch up."

They walked their horses slowly; the Orchards around Briar Rose came into view. "After the party, I'm going to take a day off and hang out in Ravenwood."

"Is that where the Songbirds went?" Ringo had been surprised when they ported from the throne room.

"No, they are probably doing some heist." QJ looked at the note that Robin had passed him. It read: "Your new friends are waiting at the Blae Hamlet."

"Love letter?" Ringo watched him read the note.

QJ shook his head, "I asked the Songbirds to free the prisoners on Death Row."

Ringo did a double-take. "You starting your own underworld cartel?"

"Nothing so inspiring." QJ pulled up his horse when he saw the three riders.

Dessi, Nina, and Maya were waiting on their horses near the gates of Briar Rose. Dessi got off her horse and approached them. "I'm sorry, QJ."

QJ waved off her words. "No need for apologies, Dessi. Why don't you three join us? Tell the rest of the 3rd years to log in and help us celebrate."