Aftermath, and Extra

A few days after Mina had had the discussion about stat points and system assist with Kiro and Jinan, she decided to raise the topic with some of her friends with whom she also played.

Anamai's opinion, as expected, leaned towards Kiro's: "System assist? I never use it. And no, I don't distribute my stat points. I just fight. And the more I fight, the better I get. The stronger and the faster I get too."

"But don't you have trouble fighting with monsters that have way higher stats than you do?"

"No. If they are faster than me, I just fight with them until I am accustomed to their speeds. Honestly, for me, New World is just like Earth, except that you can't die, you don't get fat no matter what you eat and there are a lot of cool monsters and magic. So better, really."

As for Damian, once she raised the topic with him, his reaction differed from what she had expected.

"To be honest, I disagree with your brother. System assist is extremely useful. Think of it objectively. System assist allows you to do things that would normally require hours of training. Take me for example. I have no idea how to use a bow. But in-game, as long as my dexterity is high enough, I can hit any target as long as they are in range. Cool, no? Also, what happens if you take a crafting class. Or just want to level up a crafting proficiency? If you try to do it without system assist you'll need to spend a lot of time learning and practicing a lot of stuff and it will be very time consuming. That's a lot of time wasted doing something tedious, when you could simply use system which would be much faster and will leave you more time for playing. Really, which is better? Doing needle work all day or instead go on quests, hunt monsters and explore dungeons? System assist allows you to do what you originally wanted to do in New World: play, will giving the game an overtone of realism which makes it more interesting. I think it's really well done.

As for the stat points thing, who cares? It's not like you keep them in real life. Trying to increase your stats through training is just as tedious as levelling your proficiencies without system assist: a lot of work for no gain."

"But, but my onii-chan is really strong. Way stronger than anyone else! It's definitely because he spent all that time training. So it must mean that you can become way stronger if you don't use system assist!"

When Mina mentioned Kiro, Damian's frowned brow showed his irritation. But his voice was calm when he answered.

"I disagree. From what you told me before, I think that the reason your brother is so strong is because he was lucky enough to find and clear all five levels of training centers. I think that is the reason he became so strong. Anyone that would have been lucky enough to find the locations of all of them like he did would probably become just as strong as he is. Your brother was extremely fortunate, that's all."

Mina frowned. She knew he was wrong, knew that her brother was amazing. But she couldn't find the words to prove it. So instead, she said: "Once you meet him, you'll change your opinion of him, I'm sure!"

"Then I'll look forward to it." He replied.

*****

The time of Kiro's imprisonment in Mutianelis was nearing its end. Those four weeks had proved to be a welcome break in Kiro's normal routine.

Because four those four weeks, his activities were centered on his siblings. When they were in-game, Kiro would spend his time with them doing little quests. Honestly, he had done more quest, talked to more people "shivers" in these past weeks than he had in the last 6 years.

Because of the quests, he had even leveled up to level 20!

When the twins were not on line, he spent his time in the library. Of course, he still trained in the mornings, both his weapon mastery in the Beginner Training Center were the Master had been generous enough to provide him with a room to sleep in, and by running around town. But he felt it hard to really focus on his training with everyone around him on the lookout for him. Fortunately, they were looking for a high levelled warrior wearing a white tunic etched with a golden dragon, not a low level warrior wearing leather clothing and a fur cap (which he had hastily made to hide his face).

Also, he had a problem with his proficiencies.

Ever since his fight with DrakeXScales, his Blade, Sword, Dagger and Unarmed Combat Masteries have been stuck at Advanced lvl 9 – 99.99%, and no amount of training he has done since then have made it progress.

But as there was nothing to do about it, Kiro put it out of his mind. If the problem persist, he will simply pay a visit to the Master Training Center again to look for guidance.

In the library, Kiro read a wide variety of books. Textbooks, of course, as had become his habit (he was now doing advanced university stuff), but also books that focused more on New World.

He read book on its geography, on the type of monsters you could find here, the fauna, the flora, and any other scraps of information he could get.

Recently, he had started reading biographies and journals of past adventurers. Their tales were interesting, almost as much as the little hints they gave about the location and content of hidden dungeons and the like.

One day he was reading one such journal, when a particular paragraph caught his attention: And during my stay in the city of Travis, capital of Yester, I was granted the honor of an audience with the estimated Master Elindil of Travis, a world renowned researcher. He shared with me his latest passion; a research into the sacred art of the Elemental Swordsmen, an interresting and mysterious subject indeed!

Kiro was filled with excitement. Ever since he had gotten his class, this was the first time he had stumbled upon even a hint of information about it.

He went to see the cute librarian lady, book in hand.

"Sorry, do you have any more books from this author?"

She glanced at it. "Unfortunately, Kiro, I do not."

As Kiro and his siblings had spent quite a bit of time in the library, of course the librarian had gotten better acquainted with them.

"I see", he answered, disappointed. "Then, Kaila, do you have any books by an author know as Master Elindil of Travis?"

"Of course, please wait a second." She answered with a smile.

She came back with three or four books. Kiro perused through them, but unfortunately, none mentioned the topic of Elemental Swordsmen.

Well, I guess I'll have to pay a visit to Travis, he decided.

****

Once he shared his discovery with his siblings, they were as excited as he was.

"That's great! That means that you will finally get more skills for your class!" Said Jinandis, all excited.

"But you'll have to be careful, Kiro-niisan." Taname interjected. "I heard that a lot of people avoid Travis."

"Why?"

"Because Travis is being plagued by a really strong giant. They say that he comes every few weeks, challenges the people to a fight, and then destroys part of the city before leaving. Apparently, his skin is so thick that arrows can't pierce it, and he seems to be invulnerable against magic."

"Really!?" Kiro's voice was filled with excitement.

Seeing that, Taname could only shake her head in weary amusement. "Really. Let me guess. You're going to go and try to fight it."

His grin was all the answer she needed.

****

It was understood almost since the beginning that once Kiro's month of imprisonment was over, he and the twins would go their separate ways. The twins, having seen their big brother's power, had understood that if they were with him they'd only be a hindrance. That, or him, by being with them, would obstruct their growth.

So once the time came, they'd separate.

This month with Kiro had changed the twins' outlook on the game. Now both had changed to manual, and both were determined to become powerful players.

In any case, as the time of separation grew nearer, Kiro started searching for a suitable departure gift for his two siblings. Just because he felt it was his responsibility and privilege as an older brother. And he wanted to make them happy.

So he had started looking around the city, and asking people "shivers" looking for something good.

That's how he stumbled upon an interresting quest:

Goffer for the Day.

Master Yandriss needs help to reorganise the army's food supply storage. Present yourself at his office in the army compound and put yourself at his disposal for the day.

Requirements: Under level 25. Not having done this quest before.

Rewards: A skill book.

Master Yandriss was the quartermaster in charge of supplying the army. Kiro had learned from beginners that this quest was available to anyone and everyone that wanted it, as long as their level wasn't too high. It was a favorite for beginners because it gave them the chance of acquire a skill, irrespective of class, that could really help them later on.

So Kiro, like several other newbs, showed up bright and early the next morning at the army compound. The compound was situated right besides the keep. It had no walls, it was just a district of the city where the normal buildings were replaced with military ones. It was also full of - well – military.

The quartermaster's office was in a small building next to a dozen or so warehouses. There were already 10 other players besides Kiro there.

Master Yandriss stepped out of the building and addressed them. He was a tall, heavyset man with a pronounced tan.

Not like a bureaucrat at all. "Alright men, listen up! Today we are going to reorganise this warehouse." He said, gesturing to one of the several that were close by. "I want you boys to start hauling the stuff out of there and bring it here. Be careful. If you break even a single box, not only will you get nothing at the end of the day, but you will also be charged for the items you damage. Any questions? Good. GET TO WORK!"

And that was pretty much how Kiro spent the day. Hauling boxes to and fro, according to Master Yandriss or his assistants' instructions. Around him, the other players alternatively moaned and complained about how boring and difficult this was, or gloated about how they had gained a strength stat.

Finally, after 6 or so hours of work Master Yandriss was satisfied. He brought all the players inside the quartermaster's office, and led them to a small room filled with bookshelves. But the books in this room were all skill books.

There were a dozen different kinds of skill books, with many copies of each kind, and all the players were allowed to choose one.

Smiling, Kiro went inside to collect his reward.

***

The days flew by, and in the blink of an eye it was the last day of Kiro's forced stay in Mutianelis. By that time, both twins could have left the city, as they had – theoretically – been in the city at least two weeks prior to Kiro's arrival, but both had of course decided to stay until he could also leave.

Today the twins would get their classes.

"Are you two sure of your choice?" Asked Kiro for the nth time.

"Yes, onii-chan, I'm sure." Confirmed Taname yet again.

"Yes Kiro-nii." Replied Jinandis as well.

Taname wanted to become an Archer. As for Jinandis, after hesitating a bit between being a swordsman and a spearman, he had finally opted for the later.

The three of them were right in front of the military compound. In Mutianelis, this was the best place for a player to acquire a class.

Today, Taname and Jinandis were the ones wearing headgear, concealing their identities.

Quickly, Kiro changed his gear into the one he had worn during the war with DrakeXScales. For good measure, he also activate Celestial Turtle's Shell Aura. The image of a golden turtle in a sea of azure clouds momentarily obscured his figure, before he emerged, surrounded by a golden cocoon.

Everyone around, players and Npcs alike, were now staring at him. Forcing his face into a mask of impassiveness, he walked towards a military officer.

All around, whispers could be heard: "Oh god! It's him." "Kiro!!" "Guild Killer Kiro!" "What is he doing here?" "Dunno. Who are the two with him?" "He looks so fierce." "That dragon is so cool."

With a glance in the direction of the crowd, Kiro silenced them. Stepping up to the now nervous military officer, he declared: "I would like a word with your commander."

"Ye… yes sir! Might I know your name?"

"My name is Kiro."

The whispers started anew, but Kiro didn't bother turning around.

The officer palled. He too, had heard the stories. "Right… right this way, sir Kiro!"

He led Kiro and his siblings to another building, which housed the commanders of the army. The curious and excited crowd followed, but were prevented from entering the building by burly security guards.

As for Kiro and the others, they went into the building, and out the other side, which led directly to a large training ground.

There were scarecrows placed in rows everywhere, some for swordsmen and other medley weapon users, others that were riddled with arrows while yet others were being used by mages to practice spells on.

Some distance away, a bunch of recruits were practicing walking in formation under the watchful gaze of a drill sergeant.

The officer led Kiro and the twins towards a man that looked like a clerk, with his thick glasses and pale complexion.

"General Hanson, sir! The player Kiro wishes a word with you."

"Kiro, eh?" The general's eyes lit up.

He turned towards him, and Kiro was momentarily startled by how sharp they were.

"So you are the player know as Kiro?"

"Yes."

"The one that singlehandedly freed our city from the tyranny of the DrakeXScales guild?"

"Yes."

"The one who vandalised the courtyard gate and grounds?"

"Ehem… yes?"

"Awesome! It's such an honor to meet you sir! Please, if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask!"

The general's eyes were now sparkling like those of a child.

This was the reason Kiro had went through all the trouble of revealing his identity. To ask of a favour from the general of Mutianelis himself. If it were for his own benefit, Kiro would never bother going through so much trouble. But for his little brother and little sister, he didn't hesitate.

"General Hanson, I come to you asking for a favor." Kiro started.

"Anything you need!"

"I would like to ask you for two experts to teach my siblings, one of the archer class, and another of the spear class."

"Of course, at once!"

The general turned towards his subordinates barking orders. In short orders two individuals, a man and a woman, came up to them. General Hanson quickly did introductions.

"This is Major Dolan and Colonel Smith. They are the most skilled teachers for archers and spearmen under my command."

"Thank you general, colonel, major. I leave my siblings in your capable hands.

The two siblings followed their teachers away, leaving the two men alone. There was a moment of silence, which was broken by the talkative general.

"You know, when DrakeXScales first arrived here, I thought they were god-sent. Our city desperately needed strong people to clear out the strong monsters around it and their timely arrival made it possible for new Strangers and immigrants to come to our city. But as time went on, my unease grew…"

"Why?" Prompted Kiro.

"More and more of them kept arriving every day. Soon, they were a powerful force, big enough to even threaten this army. Yet, despite this, they were always flawlessly polite. Never asking for bigger rewards, never complaining no matter how much work the city's elite gave them. They would always execute even the most downgrading of tasks without as much as a frown. It was just too abnormal. No one is that kind."

There was a moment of silence, as the general collected his thoughts.

"But there was nothing I could do. I could only stand watch, powerless, as the influence they had grew and grew. And then the day came when I was given the order to clear out some monster caves in the mountains. I didn't want to go but orders are orders.

Throughout that entire trip, the only thing I could concentrate on is the thought that this was the perfect opportunity for DrakeXScales to take control of the city. That's why, as soon as we were ambushed on the way to the caves, by players no less, I knew that my fears had come true.

But by the time I had rushed back, you had already freed our city. That is why I was eager to meet you, so that I could thank you. Thank you, my lord Kiro, for liberating my city."

*****

At the gates of Mutianelis stood Taname, Jinandis and Kiro. The time of the separation was almost upon them. There was just one last thing to do.

Silently, solemnly, the three siblings walked out of the city and onto the grassy plains.

Around them, the area was crowded with noobs attacking the weak monsters that surrounded the city. Weak monsters such as rabbit, foxes and wolves that were the staple of all beginner cities.

Kiro and his two siblings walked a little farther, near the edge of the woods, where the monsters were a little stronger and the crowd a little thinner.

"Are you ready?" He asked, turning towards his siblings.

"Yeah!" Said Taname. "God, Major Dolan is such an amazing teacher. My archer class is already at beginner lvl 5!"

"So is my spearman class!" Interjected Jinandis.

This was the difference between having a good teacher or a mediocre teacher for your class – or no teacher. A good teacher explained the basics of the class in a way that gave you an advantage over others that just obtained their own class. This was also the reason Kiro had went through all that trouble at the military compound. To give his siblings a little starting boost.

"Then let's do this!" he said.

The three walked towards a group of wolves. There was five of them and their levels varied between 5 and 7. Maybe not the ideal starting enemy, but as Taname and Jinandis were level 9, and Kiro was, well, Kiro, they shouldn't have any problems.

Kiro and Jinandis rushed forwards towards the wolves, as Taname took out an arrow from her new quiver. Both Jinandis' and her new weapon were given to them by their instructors.

As for Kiro, he was welding his wooden sword and dagger. He just wanted to give his siblings the experience of a real fight under his supervision, so the only thing he would be doing was crowd control.

Jinandis held his spear in his two hands. He wasn't holding it tightly enough as Kiro could see the spear wobbling. Still, its point was directed towards one of the wolves. As the wolf lunged at him, and arrow shot past Jinandis' head, almost hitting him. It also missed the wolf and sailed into the forest. Looking back, Kiro saw Taname mouthing a sorry even as she took out another arrow. Turning his head back to Jinandis, he saw that he had attempted a stab that had only glanced off the wolf's shoulder, and that the wolf was about to maul him. With a sharp blow of his wooden sword Kiro diverted the wolf's attention long enough for Jinandis to get his spear back into position.

The fight dragged on. But Kiro didn't mind, he wasn't in a hurry. It was Jinandis and Taname's first fight and he was glad he was there to look over them.

The more time passed, the better they became. Jinandis finally figured out how to keep his spear levelled to impale the wolves charging at him while Taname figured out that it was best for her to aim at wolves that were still relatively far away from her brother to avoid any accident. She still missed a lot, but she got better. During this entire time, Kiro did nothing but keep the rest of the pack off their backs. He only let one or two out of the five wolves attack his siblings at any time, and would intervene any time he felt they were in danger.

Some might think that killing five wolves shouldn't take that long, but because Taname and Jinandis had no experience, it still took them at least 15 minutes to overcome the wolves, leaving the field riddled with corpses and arrows.

The three siblings regrouped. The time of farewells was upon them, and they all knew it.

"Taname, Jinandis. I have a parting gift for the both of you." Kiro started. Both siblings looked at them, the word 'gift' momentarily overlapping the sadness they felt. Kiro pulled his Magical 10 in 1 book.

"…Ehm, are you giving us your book, nii-san?" Asked Jinandis. "We are honored but…"

"I am not giving you my book." Interrupted Kiro with a smile. "I am offering you what's in the book." At their confused expression he laughed and said: "Open it, you'll see."

Jinandis did as he asked, opening the book. His eyes widened as he stared down at the page. Flipping through more of them, his eyes became bigger and bigger. "Kiro-niisan, is this what I think it is?"

Kiro smiled again. "Yep. I copied 10 skill books, or more precisely 5 skill books twice. So both you and Taname can each gain the five skills I have picked for you. They are Identification, Compass, First Aid, Detect Trap and Disarm Trap."

What Kiro did was simple. When he was invited into the army quatermaster's office, he selected five skills he thought would help out his brother and sister. Then, using his 10 in 1 book, he quickly and secretly copied the skill books. Because he wasn't actually using the skill books, they didn't disappear, allowing him to do the 10 copies he wanted with no one the wiser.

"Oniichan, we can't accept this…" Started Taname.

"This is my parting gift for the two of you. Please accept it."

Put that way, the two had no choice but to accept. Both started consuming the skill books. At the end, the magical book once more was filled with blank pages and the twins were five skills richer.

All of them decided to show each other their status window.

"""Status Window!"""

Name: Kiro Level: 21 –05.87% Unused stat points: 100

Class: Elemental Swordsman Alignment: Neutral

Title(s): Survivor, Warrior of the God Style, Savior of Mutianelis, Bloodthirsty Warrior (not equipped), Army of One Health: 20720

Stamina: 10260 (+900) Mana: 15160 (+7040)

Strength 989 Vitality 991

Agility 980 Dexterity 979

Intelligence 702 (+ 352) Wisdom 743 (+ 352)

Charisma 0 Luck 50

Leadership 5 Fame 15450

Balance 971 Flexibility 912

Endurance 931 Concentration 705

Fighting Spirit 876

Skills

Assassin's Rush: Advanced lvl 5

Deadly Assassin's Rush: Advanced lvl 5

Elemental Attunement: Advanced lvl 8

Identification: Intermediate lvl 5

Celestial Eagle's Lightning Pace: Advanced lvl 5

Iai Strike: Advance lvl 8

Consecutive Single Point Strike: Advanced lvl 8

Critical Strike: Advanced lvl 9

Magic Cutting: Intermediate lvl 4

Sneak: Advanced lvl 4

Bleed: Advanced lvl 9

Celestial Qilin's Sense: Advanced lvl 6

Celestial Turtle's Shell Aura: Advanced lvl 6

Life Force: Advanced lvl 8

Celestial Thunder Tiger's Rush: Advanced lvl 5

Celestial Unicorn's Horn Strike: Advanced lvl 5

Armor Penetration: Advanced lvl 3

Mana Wave: Advanced lvl 3

Mana Shield: Advanced lvl 2

Mana Strike: Advanced lvl 3

Elemental Wave: Advanced lvl 4

Charged Elemental Wave: Advanced lvl 2

Charged Mana Wave: Advanced lvl 2

Elemental Rage: Intermediate lvl 3

Celestial Dragon's Aura: Beginner lvl 3

Celestial Phoenix's Full Counter: Beginner lvl 2

Fire Aura: Beginner lvl 3

Flame Thrower: Beginner lvl 3

Compass: Beginner lvl 1

Proficiencies

Battle Regeneration: Advanced lvl 9

Berserker's Soul: Advanced lvl 5

Blade Mastery: Advanced lvl 9

Blocking: Advanced lvl 9

Climbing: Advanced lvl 9

Dagger Mastery: Advanced lvl 9

Dodging: Advanced lvl 9

Dual Wield Mastery: Advanced lvl 9

Falling: Advanced lvl 9

Footwork: Advanced lvl 9

Holding your Breath: Advanced lvl 8

Magic Mastery: Advanced lvl 5

Master of Death: Advanced lvl 5

Moving in a Difficult Environment: Advanced lvl 7

Obstacle Clearing: Advanced lvl 8

Parkour: Advanced lvl 3

Parrying: Advanced lvl 9

Reading: Advanced lvl 7

Running: Advanced lvl 8

Spellcasting Mastery: Advanced lvl 6

Survival Cooking: Intermediate lvl 9

Survival Harvesting: Intermediate lvl 9

Survival Leatherworking: Intermediate lvl 6

Survivor: Advanced lvl 7

Sword Mastery: Advanced lvl 9

The Art of Taking a Blow: Advanced lvl 9

Tough Body: Advanced lvl 9

Unarmed Combat: Advanced lvl 9

Class

Elemental Swordsman: Advanced lvl 8

Name: Taname Level: 11 – 20.73% Unused stat points: 50

Class: Archer Alignment: Neutral

Title(s): None Health: 640

Stamina: 270 Mana: 260

Strength 13 Vitality 12

Agility 15 Dexterity 16

Intelligence 14 Wisdom 16

Charisma 0 Luck 0

Leadership 0 Fame 0

Cunning 20

Skills

Quick Shot: Beginner lvl 3

Double Shot: Beginner lvl 2

Identification: Beginner lvl 1

Compass: Beginner lvl 1

First Aid: Beginner lvl 1

Detect Trap: Beginner lvl 1

Disarm Trap: Beginner lvl 1

Proficiencies

Bow Mastery: Beginner lvl 3

Class

Archer: Beginner lvl 5

Name: Jinandis Level: 10 – 98.79% Unused stat points: 40

Class: Spearman Alignment: Neutral

Title(s): None Health: 1150

Stamina: 470 Mana: 250

Strength 19 Vitality 13

Agility 16 Dexterity 15

Intelligence 13 Wisdom 15

Charisma 0 Luck 0

Leadership 0 Fame 0

Skills

Piercing Blow: Beginner lvl 3

Stand fast: Beginner lvl 2

Identification: Beginner lvl 1

Compass: Beginner lvl 1

First Aid: Beginner lvl 1

Detect Trap: Beginner lvl 1

Disarm Trap: Beginner lvl 1

Proficiencies

Spear Mastery: Beginner lvl 3

Class

Spearman: Beginner lvl 5

(*Note: I will do the actual tables later)

Taname and Jinandis didn't say anything, but by their expressions it was clear that they cleanly felt the difference between them and their big brother.

They were already aware of it. In fact, once they first understood how he had gotten that strong, they had felt a burning desire to follow in his footsteps. They also wanted to become strong. For that reason, the two had decided to train their skills and proficiencies, kind of like how Anamai had told them she did.

"Nii-san, we will take our leave now!" Announced Taname.

"Okay." He didn't try to hide the hint of sadness in his tone. "Where are you guys heading?"

"We will meet up with the caravan that left town earlier, and make our way to the Central Kingdom, to the city of Astelam."

"That's quite the distance. Is there a particular reason?"

"Yep!" This time it was Jinandis' excited voice that answered. "There is a rumor in the Forums that somewhere in the forest near Astelam, there is a lake that has nothing but a mad carp in it. They say that if you try to swim in the lake, he'll attack you, but if you throw fish bait in he'll come out in his true, half fish and half man form and give you a rare class. So I'll go there and become a Ginuchimarian warrior!"

"Ginuchimarian warriors are awesome!" Interjected Taname. "They can control the shape of their weapons, making them shrink or expand, stuff like that."

"Oh." For some reason, Kiro started fidgeting. "That sounds great. By the way, ehm, you might want to omit mentioning that you know me when you go there."

""…""

"So… Kiro-nii, you are heading for Travis, right?" Asked Taname. He nodded. "In that case, you might want to make a stop to a dungeon on the way there."

"Why?"

"Because you have to level up some, Kiro-niichan. People won't take you seriously if you stay at level 21. Besides, what if the quest you want to go on for your class has a level requirement? You'd have gone all that way only to have to go back to level up again. That's why I think you should just do so now."

She did make sense. Besides, who didn't want to go explore a dungeon at least once?

"Okay, I'll go."

"Perfect. If I remember correctly, there is a dungeon near Travis called the Terrar Fourmilar Cave. It should be perfect."

"Good, then I'll go take a look."

A few minutes later, as his siblings finally left for the caravan that would escort them out of Mutianelis, Kiro stayed rooted in place, watching them leave. He had an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, as he realized that he might not see them again for a long time. He had few other friends in the game. Knight Joy, Krytirc and he occasionally sent messages to each other, but that was about it.

Sighting aloud, he pushed those thoughts away. It was time to embark on a new adventure.

****

When Me-Ling heard the news that Kiro had been spotted in Mutianelis, she was already halfway to Travis following a large caravan of players. Fortunately, her boss had had time to calm down and instead of firing her, he ordered her to go to Travis to report on the mysterious giant that occasionally appeared there.

*****

Anarisa had recently decided to join a guild. In the past she had received many invitations, and it was one of them that she intended to accept today.

The Time Lords Guild was a small guild of only 500 people or so. Their primary occupation is to explore dungeons then sell the loot they find to other players.

They were easily recognizable, since they all wore a black cape with a golden hourglass printed on it.

They also wore standardized armor, which made them look like an army.

But Anarisa wasn't interested in all of that. She could explore dungeons by herself.

What she was interested in, was the offer the guild officer she had met had made her. The chance of having a unique class.

The chance of becoming a Time Swordsman.

The old Anarisa, which was only interested in swordsmanship, wasn't attracted by this offer. The current Anarisa, who knew she lacked power, was very interested.

So today, after login into the game, she had sent a message to AmirZhe, the officer in the Time Lords Guild who had invited her, saying that she wanted to join. So he had asked her to come and meet MaxMage, the guild leader.

Now, she was standing in a clearing. All around, large pine trees were blocking her view of the immediate surroundings.

Over the top of the trees were tall mountains and directly in front of her, blotting out the sky, was the gigantic Mount Everen, the tallest mountain in the game.

The headquarters of Time Lords was deep in the mountains, where dungeons were most frequent. It was no surprise that she was invited to come over to such a place.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of a cracking branch. Turning her head, she saw two men come into the clearing. One was AmirZhe, whom she had already meet. He was tall, with golden mane and golden eyes, sharp claws and hairy forearms. A lion beastman, and a berserker. Anarisa wasn't exactly sure of how high in the chain of command he was.

The man next to him was a human. He looked average, with dark hair and eyes. His frame was bulky but not overly so.

He had a long, twisted and polished tree branch which he held in one hand. A staff.

Both were wearing the signature cloak.

The man she didn't know was the first to speak: "Good morning. You must be Anarisa. Amir has told me a lot about you. I am MaxMage, but everyone calls me Max."

"Hello, Max, it's a pleasure to meet you. And hello to you too, Zhe."

AmirZhe nodded to her as MaxMage once more took control of the conversation. "Now then, Amir has told me that he offered you a place in the guild before, but that you turned him down. If you don't mind, would you tell me what changed your mind?"

She decided to bend the truth a little. "I saw the video of the fight between DrakeXScales and the player called Kiro. After seeing that, I wanted to become stronger."

He chuckled. "Who didn't, who didn't. Now then, let us determine the terms of your recruitment. This is my offer: I am a Time mage, which is a unique class. One of its perks is that I can give other people a class as well. I will give you the Time Swordsman class. It's a unique class. In exchange, you will join my guild, and you will lead a party into dungeon explorations. You can chose the dungeon, and you can chose your party, as long as they agree and are not in a party at the moment. And, of course, they have to belong to our guild. Are you interested?"

Anarisa didn't hesitate. Unique classes were very powerful, and AmirZhe had went to great lengths to explain the benefits of this particular class to her. Extending her hand, she said: "Very well, we have a deal."

MaxMage took her hand and shook it. "Welcome to the Time Lords, Anarisa, we expect good things out of you!"

****

Allise was sitting in the kitchen of her home, distractedly listening to the TV in the other room. "… and that concludes our segment on this new continent, discovered by a player of the former guild DrakeXScales. And now, in other news, it appears as if the player known as Kiro has been spotted in the city of Mutianelis, going to the military compound with two mysterious individuals. There are speculations as to whether…"

Suddenly, from downstairs, she heard the sound of movement. Soon, her two youngest children came up, looking down.

"You two have separated from Kiro?"

Mina looked up, there were tears in her eyes. She nodded.

Allise went to them and gathered them in a hug. "Shhhuu. It's all right, you'll meet him again."

Her two twins always filled her on every little thing that happened to them in-game. From training and doing homework

(she still couldn't get over the fact that her oldest would get within 10 meters of any type of homework), to the different

quests they had done, she knew it all. She couldn't help but be amazed at this game, New World, which would inspire her children to work so hard.

"Come," she said, "I have something to show you."

Allise brought Mina and Jinan to the living room.

"Here, I recorded this for you. I think it will cheer you up."

Taking the TV remote, she fidgeted with it until the recording she wanted to show her kids came to the screen and

started playing.

"This was playing earlier. Sun Televison was showing this earlier, while you two were playing. It's a special episode on

Yukiro and that Grandis fellow. They are trying to decide who the best player is."

This made Mina and Jinan perk up a little. They loved hearing people praise their big brother.

Allise fast forwarded through the opening credits. Soon, the real show started.

It was two men standing side by side at a typical tv podium. Both tall, one was a slightly overweight man with greying hair and the other seemed younger, with black hair and an engaging smile. The camera also occasionally turned, giving a glimpse of the live audience to the show. The two men were already talking: "… and so Mr. Kim, today's debate is one that has raged ever since last Saturday. That is to say, ever since the events in Mutianelis, which shocked the gaming community as a whole."

"Indeed, Mr. Seyook. Ever since that day, the same question has been raised everywhere. That is to say: Who is the best player? Is it this mysterious Kiro, or is it the well-known Grandis?"

"Before we start, I am compelled to announce that unfortunately for our audience, we have not been able to contact either player to ask their opinion on this manner."

"I don't find it too surprising on the part of Kiro. He was unknown before this, and after the fight seems to have vanished into thin air. No one knows who he is. I would be more shocked if he had responded to our requests for an interview."

"I am more surprised that Grandis was unavailable for comments."

The other man snorted. "That's true. I never thought I would see the day when Grandis is too busy to voice his opinion."

The some people in the audience, as well as Mina and Jinan, laughed. Grandis arrogant attitude irritated as many people as it attracted. A lot of people enjoyed imagining his discomfort.