The Crystal Crusade Read online

  Outside my room, players passed by in the hallway. Some had upgraded beyond Level 5 and picked their classes. You could always tell the low level guys from the upper level characters. They walked with a swagger like they owned the Academy.

  I followed the way pointers to the auditorium where a certified NPC teacher showcased the history of Fourlando’s conflict. I knew learning about classes, arts, and enemies was the main focus, but I wanted to know more about the game world and how it functioned on the story level. What was the point of knowing the nitty-gritty of questing if you didn’t understand the greater cause behind it? Inside the auditorium with the cascading stairs, dozens of low-level characters tuned their digital ears to the NPC teacher lecturing in front of an orb-shaped projection. The main continent of Fourlando, as well as its western and eastern isles, covered the azure surface while the planet’s natural satellite, the Reepo-infected Violet Lunar, circumnavigated the planet like an evil eye from orbit. Even in this projection, the Violet Lunar looked scary. An impenetrable orb shielded by a mysterious fog that prevented anyone from checking out its geography. And as far as I knew, no single player—not even superstar Holland Pax—had ever reached the Violet Lunar. This moon represented the last level and remained the unwritten, no-go area. I wondered what lay beyond its fog, but maybe now was the worst moment to ponder its mysteries.

  The NPC teacher continued. “Fourlando’s civilization is fragmented into small city-states and other autonomous groups. The two big factions, the Sunblood Syndicate and the Beltar Empire, went to war two decades ago in a bid for world domination, both wanting to unite the autonomous groups under their banners. Well, we all know how that ended.”

  As far as I knew, the Beltar Empire had lost the war. It fragmented into little rebel groups while the Syndicate became the de facto ruling power, dominating the Reepo-harvest. But in this game, the war never finished; conflict begot more conflict and bred countless groups fighting for territorial domination.

  The teacher’s eyes moved around the audience. “The Reepo obviously plays a huge role in the conflict—some believe it’s the source of all evil, some others deem it a priceless resource that powers our future. The truth probably lies somewhere in-between.”

  My ears soaked up every tidbit. The irony didn’t escape me—basically every monster and mutation sprang from the Reepo infestation, and yet the same ultra-rare minerals powered up the technology that turned the former feudal Fourlando into a semi-mechanized wonderland. Reminded me of the Chinese symbols for the word ‘crisis’—danger and opportunity. Again, I thought too much. The NPC revealed information I hadn’t known before. “Within the major conflict, our renowned Academy plays a neutral role. Our mission is to train the best free agents. When you all graduate, you’re able to pick your employer. But first, you have to pass your final field mission with at least a B minus rank. After the completion, you are free to follow your own destiny.”

  Interesting. So once I hit the world, I could pledge allegiance to any faction I felt comfortable with. I wondered if the kind of allegiance determined one’s sponsorships. Which party did Holland Pax align to? I always had believed he acted as a solo player with no party affiliation, but I had never wondered about the details. I kept the question as a memo for later.

  The NPC teacher said, “If you want to know more about Fourlando, feel free to access a public terminal. It contains the entire database of politics, groups, available weaponry, and even a bestiary so you’re prepared for the world’s dangers.”

  I loved that her lecture was both short and informative. I’d read more about factions and firearms later on, but now I needed to know how to reach Level 5 without much trouble. The zest for knowledge increased my desire to take on a new quest. But this time, I wouldn’t jump in clueless and unprepared.

  This time I would do the research and—more importantly—join a squad.

  14

  It sounded like an accomplishable task, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Back in the central player hub, I asked various cadets about teaming up on Level 3-ish quests. But every single player I asked either politely or outright offensively denied my request.

  With the analyzer, I focused on players and parties who were on the same level as me, and found a group who seemed to lack one member.

  Of course, I approached them. “Hey, do you want to join up on a quest and level up together?”

  The classless leader spoke for the group. “Sorry, but we’re already full.”

  Every squad could consist of a maximum of four units, and I only counted three.

  “Where’s your fourth member?”

  “Checking out the loo.”

  “Like, in real life?”

  His avatar stuttered. “Yeah.”

  What a terrible lie. Even if the player took a trip to the toilet, his character would stand around idle and not disappear.

  “You know, you could just openly say you don’t want me on your squad. It’s not like I’m going to bite you.”

  “No, but they’re afraid you’re gonna chop their heads off.”

  The remark came from behind. In the middle of the crowd, I spotted Rokkit grinning like the cat who ate the canary. He walked toward me with an overconfident swagger. For a second, I believed he would challenge me to a player-versus-player duel, but this central hub functioned as a safe zone where fighting was technically impossible.

  “Having trouble joining a squad?”

  I hated how he tackled my problem with his self-absorbed smile. He always knew about my challenges.

  “Looks like players don’t want to team up with a girl killer.”

  The characters in the group I had asked looked away. So this was the reason for everyone’s denial. They had heard about my failed Lynchburg perimeter defense quest and refused to take me on board.

  Still, questions arose.

  “A wragg bit the NPC girl and infected it. Her father begged me to kill her.”

  Rokkit shrugged. He seemed to speak for the group. “Did the man trapped in the Finsterland Forest hole also beg you to take his axe and leave him pray for the Creepos?”

  “I made a mistake.”

  “You keep making them.”

  The elfish-looking avatar of the party tilted her head; it was L’ocean. “We have to prepare for our quest now.”

  The squad moved away and left me standing with Rokkit, the worst possible outcome.

  “I have a question, girl killer. I thought you hated the game. So why are you still online, failing your face off?”

  For a second, I thought about mentioning my new goal of making money, but Rokkit would have cracked up. Soon, the entire player community would know and turn me into a laughing stock. Nah, it was too early to reveal my aspirations.

  “I think the game becomes more enjoyable when I can choose my class and plan out my playing style.”

  “Makes sense,” Rokkit said. “If you make it to Level 5, that is. Hint: you won’t get there by constantly dying.”

  “Thanks for the tip.”

  “Always glad to help the weak and disabled.”

  L’ocean’s character approached our uncomfortable verbal confrontation. She wore a new outfit—an adaptive armor graced her slick uniform. She had now upgraded to Level 5 and carried a mechanized staff. She looked amazing.

  “Rokkit, are you ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hey, L’ocean.”

  Her face frosted. “Hey, Dash. Still online?”

  Rokkit spoke before I could. “He wants to level up so he can suck as a class character, too.”

  “Is that so?”

  Her reaction seemed less than enthused. Ever since the Finsterland Forest debacle, our ‘relationship’ had frosted to subzero. Couldn’t blame her; I wasn’t the best co-player to be around—yet.

  “Nice outfit and staff,” I said to warm up. “What class are you now?”

  “TechMage.”

  “Slick.”

  To be honest, I had no
clue what a TechMage accomplished. Some kind of magi-tech healing? I only knew the class acted as spell caster with range support. They were weak on their own but functioned well in squad formations. Every party wanted a TechMage onboard.

  “We really have to hurry now, Rokkit,” L’ocean said with a pressing tone. “Mort can only play for another hour. We want to reach the next level before that.”

  “Got it,” Rokkit said and threw one last dismissive glance at me. “Seriously, Boltzmann, I don’t know what to think of you. You’re either full of shit or just pretending to be.”

  How did he know about my real name? Did he look me up online and linked my player profile?

  Rokkit turned his avatar around and joined L’ocean’s left side. The two reconnected with their squad near one of the public information terminals. Why would someone like L’ocean team up with a douche like Rokkit? This guy spat poison every second he opened his trap. Either way, I walked toward the quest board and looked for something in my level range. A similar quest like the Lynchburg perimeter defense mission appeared on the menu which I refused. Enough with the dramatic low-level quests that further ruined my reputation. I needed simple hack and slash to grow. I needed monster bashing.

  “Tough finding the right quest, eh?”

  I turned around and found a Level 4 character, called Azzam, who had an impressive mechanical saw blade and thin armor draped over his small but sturdy build.

  “It’s a quest itself to find the right quest.”

  His head shrugged. “If you don’t mind, I’d love to team up.”

  “Really?”

  With all the negative feedback slamming my requests, it was welcoming to meet open-minded players. Still, self-doubt reigned. “Haven’t you heard about my reputation as NPC girl killer?”

  He shrugged. “Some players are just uptight. You redeemed an NPC who turned into a monster. I would have done the same.”

  Finally, a reasonable soul. They still existed in the world of Fourlando. Azzam’s glance traveled past my shoulders and hit the quest board. His eyes glistened. “I know a good type of quest which results in solid credits and experience. I assume you’re looking to progress toward Level Five as fast as possible to choose your job class.”

  “That’s the Holy Grail.”

  Azzam nodded. “Mine too.”

  He flipped the documents on the board. “How about this?”

  I looked at where he was pointing.

  The quest looked promising.

  15

  Quest: “Caved in by the Critters”

  Type: Rescue mission

  Location: Norsefalia (Mainland)

  Description: A local resident has dispatched a distress call from a cave he’s trapped in. Find the traveler and escort him to a safe zone.

  Reward: 200 credits, cont. EXP, light gear

  ————

  It sounded simple at first, but most quests in this universe entailed moral decisions. Some dilemma would await me in the cave, some decision I didn’t want to make. I also hated how every quest failed to mention the enemy type. Some believed it was part of the mystery, but I needed exact information. The times where I cluelessly jumped into the fray were officially over. Thankfully, Azzam had way more experience than me, not just in the form of points. “Sounds like a solid rescue mission down under. We use a lantern because it’s likely to be dark down there. I got a couple of antidotes and potions in case the critters inflict poisonous danger, as well as a stunner bang in case we get surrounded.”

  It sounded smart and expensive. I had about a dozen credits—enough for a single potion and maybe an antidote. Not to mention the fee to travel to the cave. Azzam must have spotted my hesitation, because he said, “Let’s split the cost for the healing items if we use them.”

  He spoke my mind. I couldn’t wait to team up.

  “Are you ready to depart?”

  No more waiting for me. I carried a decent weapon and the minimum amount of armor to make it through this mission alive.

  “Let’s kill some critters.”

  In the distance, Rokkit, L’ocean, and the rest of their squad targeted the eastern exit to their advanced quest.

  I pictured them using team tactics and applying their carefully selected skills at the right time while raking in experience and credits like pro players. I also pictured myself joining their team, proving my value. Maybe someday in the future. “Let’s rescue the man.”

  Azzam nodded. Together, we hurried to the outside station where players of all ranks departed to all locations of Fourlando. I detected mixed classes and admired their advanced weaponry and armor. Automated gear, smart protection plates, explodas, and even mech pets that functioned as support units for their game masters. Soon, I would join their ranks, but first quests first.

  Azzam turned toward the train station which connected the Academy to all major locations of the continent. I hoped he didn’t want to ride a wagon, because that would have burned through my budget like a fire blade. As always, Azzam spoke the words I wanted to hear. “Let’s ride a speed fowl.”

  Better option, but still not cheap—the prices ranged from a dozen credits to a few hundreds. Why did every means of transportation cost so much? It seemed as if the game developers wanted poor players to travel by foot.

  “This one has enough space for two,” Azzam said. “I ride, you sit.”

  “Let me pay half of the fare.”

  “No worries,” he said. “I don’t want to look like a bragger, but money isn’t really a problem for me. It’s the experience and items I’m after.”

  “You’re like a VR Robin Hood.”

  “I just carry enough spare change.”

  A sentence I wished to utter in the real world. My new co-player bargained with the trader and rented the fast fowl. A reptile-like working animal, a strange mix between a feathered bird and a velociraptor. The creature had two muscular legs, two small arms reminiscent of a T-Rex, and a long beak with sharp teeth. I’m sure the beast dealt danger if properly trained. At least it journeyed faster than those dirt cheap but slow-ass caravans.

  I hopped onto the animal’s rear and felt the vibrations joggling underneath my digital crotch. “This isn’t awkward at all.”

  Azzam chuckled as he tightened the reigns. The fowl unleashed a low-pitched shriek which sounded like a girly war cry. I hoped this creature wasn’t going to bite my player’s head off.

  “Forsaken Cave, here we come.”

  We stormed onwards. Even our weight did little to slow down the beast—the fowl blasted forward and left the castle-like Academy structure behind in the digital dust. A warning showed us the transition between the overworld and the safe zone of Academy which we now escaped.

  A jolt of excitement ran through me. Everything was possible now, from player-versus-player and player-versus-environment scenarios. Despite everything that had happened, the failed quests and the problematic relationships at the player’s hub, I looked forward to my mission. The quest sounded doable, and with a semi-experienced player like Azzam on my side, I’d snatch enough experience to reach my precious Level 5.

  Class job selection, you were mine for the taking.

  16

  Like most beginner quests, the Forsaken Cave lay close to the Academy. Azzam blitzed our fowl across the lush, prairie flatlands where occasional hills jutted out. A postcard-style landscape awaited us with no sign of the Reepo plague. I enjoyed seeing the emerald green plains and hills swooshing by and wished Pueblo West would look like that.

  My co-player brought the fowl to a halt near a forest tree-line. He anchored the rope and bound it across a slender trunk. “I love riding these raptor birds,” he said to me. “Reasonable price, rock solid speed, and good control make them a beginner’s choice.”

  “Makes sense.”

  He nodded. “Let’s snatch some experience.”

  “Always.”

  We neared the entry of the Forsaken Cave. A wooden sign post lay on the ground, marked
with the warning ‘Do Not Enter’ and a classic skull and crossbones smeared the right side of the words.

  “Why would a wanderer trespass a forbidden cave?”

  Azzam shrugged. “Just like in the real world, some NPCs are too stupid to make sensible decisions. Their stupidity is our gain.”

  It sounded crass, but some NPCs did do stupid things. A few meters into the cave, the darkness engulfed my eyes. A nearby flare ignited and illuminated a cone of light.

  Azzam looked at me with a smile; his lantern proved as useful as he had foretold me.

  “I should have brought my own.”

  “Don’t worry. We have to stay together anyway.”

  We ventured into the great unknown. Just like with the Finsterland Forest, the horror feeling crept up my spine. The stone walls of the cave flickered with an unknown glimmer. Some parts of the ground felt slippery and rocky; it actually looked like a real cave designed by a tortured soul. The silence, broken by the occasional noises in the background, freaked me out. Why did almost every level feature horror vibes?

  “Where are you from, Azzam?”

  “The Academy,” he said.

  “Hah, no, I mean in real life.”

  His head turned toward me. “Well, I now live in Australia and travel along the Gold Coast.”

  Old memories crept up. “I once lived Down Under, mostly in Melbourne, near the Flinder’s Station. Incredible urban vibe and underground art scene. Aussies are so relaxed.”

  “Mmm,” Azzam said.

  He didn’t seem interested in my conversation, maybe I distracted him from the quest. He moved the lantern to illuminate each direction of the cave. Despite the glow being reflected on some wet stones, I didn’t spot anything suspicious.

  “You hear that?”

  Unfortunately, I did. The noise of claws scratching against wet stone. The noise of hardened legs tipping over the rocky ground. Here they come, my mind went.

  “Critters?”

  “Possibly.”

  His lantern lit up the way head of us. My heart hammered, my mech-axe stood ready. I couldn’t detect any shape of a monster, just countless stalagmites piercing the air like rocky claws. I wondered if critters had enough intelligence for tactical attack maneuvers. Probably not, given their low level count.