NOVEL WEB V1 Chapter 31: Advancement
- 1st Person POV (MC)
-Present Time-
The page felt heavy when I turned it. It must be because of the ‘weight’ it carries regarding the permanent changes it will give me.
Blank...
The first page is just pure blank, nothing is written on it. I widened my eyes in surprise but before I could react further.
*PING*
-System-
You are going to start the Quest ‘Class Advancement: Celestial Mages’
Remember! Once you start the Quest, all other advancement quests of your class won’t appear.
Proceed?
(Yes/No)
-System-
Haaaaah...
I sighed in relief, I thought something was wrong but it was just a warning regarding my choice. With a nod, I confidently pressed ‘Yes’ and the panel vanished without a trace.
The previously blank book changes as well, writings appeared magically and I can read it in its entirety.
In summary, the book is an informational book containing the movements of stars, sun, and moon. Also how to interpret them, especially regarding constellations at night.
That is until I reached almost the end of the book. The information became different as it touched on how to notice the feint mana emitted from those Celestial Bodies in great distance. To sense the ‘Stars’ clearly, one needed to see clear skies at night at the top of the highest peak in the land of supreme cold. To sense the ‘Moon’ clearly, one needed to be at the centre of a lake in a forest clearing at full moon. To sense the ‘Sun’ clearly, one needed to be at an open field during mid-day where everything begins.
The quest panel showed me three goals I needed to achieve to complete it.
Hmmm... I guess the ‘Hint’ is to activate my <Mana Sense> in those particular Areas. Deep Woods, Snow Field, and Beginner’s Field. I remember seeing a lake inside Deep Woods I think...
Once I finished reading this book, the other books' glimmering spines dimmed into normal-looking books. I assumed this meant I couldn’t receive another advancement quest permanently.
In addition, I got a full copy of the book similar to Origin I and Origin II.
Haaa... Let's go!!!!
I stood up from my desk and tidied up the table by putting away these books on their corresponding shelves before leaving.
-Beginner’s Field-
Ahhhh~ it is nostalgic to see this scene in front of me.
Players wearing the traditional tunic and breeches fight against horned rabbits and blue slime. Getting to know the controls and the likes as they band with each other in a makeshift party.
It is currently daytime in-game but it isn’t mid-day yet rather it's late morning. Looking around, I scoured the Area until I managed to find an open field empty with no monsters. There are some small patches of sunflowers here and there growing fabulously under the sun.
Just by a hunch, I knew this was the correct place. Moving onward to the centre, I sat and activated my {Class Skill} which I had never used before.
My view of this world changed colour. The bright yellow of sunflower petals, the green grass on this field, and myriad colours from wildflowers. All became shades of black, white, and grey. As if I’m now seeing everything in grayscale.
Opening up the system, its panel have the usual striking blue colour as I check the time nearing midday.
While activating this skill, I began to notice something. Wisps if I can describe it, like someone smoked tobacco and exhaled it. Emerging from the ground in a faint cyan colour.
(“I suppose that is mana...”)
Staring at the newbie, I can tell they are casting a {Spell}. After all, the wisps of smoke were drawn into them before changing colour into bright fiery red as they cast [Fire Bolt].
I see I see so this is <Mana Sense> good to determine who’s casting a {Spell}. But I innately have that ability from my {Trait} so it became redundant.
Nevertheless, I waited until the clock reached 12: 00 PM.
Once it did, another peculiar thing happened. Instead of the usual wisps of cyan smoke emerging from the ground, I saw a different one coming from above.
Glimmer golden smoke ever so faint descends from above to the ground. Immediately like a trigger, when I saw it a notification sound echoed in my ear
Hm... ‘I discovered Mana of the Sun’ and one of those quest points has been ticked. Good...
Turning off the <Mana Sense> {Class Skill}. My vision has gone back to default and I teleported to Frontera.
Soon after, I exited the gate towards Deep Woods and continued onwards. After spending fifteen minutes or so I finally managed to find the aforementioned lake.
It is a tranquil lake, I can see a lone pier that has been abandoned for good knows how long. A single small boat lies silent near the pier.
The boat is pristine as if brand new while the pier looks completely abandoned which is strange.
Another thing...
I didn’t see any monsters in here and so far my travel to here is quite alright. I mean, I did encounter goblins here and there but it is not something I couldn’t handle.
Sitting near the lake, I waited until it was the night cycle. Once it was the full moon, it shone brightly above the lake and I decided to use that boat to travel towards the central lake. While activating my <Mana Sense>.
I can see a different smoke descends from above, contrary to the sun’s mana. The moon has a glimmering silvery kind of colour to it and upon noticing it, the system ticked off another point in my advancement quest.
Now... the last point is to detect Stars’ mana which is located in Snow Field. I leave it for last because it isn’t easy unlike the two.
Nevertheless, I opened up the system to return to Frontera but before I can do that though...
*WHOOSH*
It is a sound I knew well and in instinct, I activate my {Trait}.
“[Star Shield]”
A coat of glimmering colours shrouded me like a second skin.
*TINGGGG*
As if something just hit a hard object and I heard an item plunge into the waters. With just a glance, I could tell it was an arrow and my eyes immediately turned to the offending figure that just leapt from the tree branch.
“[Widen: Bind]”
A simple {Spell} that inflicts [Immobilize] de-buff. By giving it a widen meta magic option, the modified range should be enough to hit them.
A rustle accompanied by a loud thud in the distance confirmed my expectations. While walking there, I made sure to top off my MP with potions and buffed with multiple {Spell}.
--
Upon arrival, a prone figure lies on the ground. Their legs are bound by magical chains to signify my [Bind] {Spell} worked. This also means they do not have status resistance.
“Who and Why did you attack?”
Purposely I made my voice firm.
“*Tch!* You don’t fucking remember do you!?” -Archer PKer-
That rough voice was like a delinquent, an archer, and an ambushing playstyle. I think I know who.
“Ah... It’s you. Why?”
“Pride.” -Archer PKer-
Before I can reply to his short answer though-
A rustle from the bushes behind me and appears another figure carrying two daggers. Pointing it straight at me wanting to plunge it deep.
“<Assassinate>” -Rogue PKer-
*TINGGGGGGGGGGG*
That dagger made contact with my coat of glimmering colours as if he was trying to stab metal. It doesn’t pierce rather I can see his trembling hands. He’s trying to push it deep but in vain. His eyes widened in shock but maintained his composure in an instant.
There’s a hint of drowsiness began to creep up on me and I knew what this meant.
“[Force]”
*BOOOM*
A more powerful shockwave knocks the rogue player back and he hits a tree in turn. Before he stands up and immediately disappears. Taking advantage of the gap, I began casting a {Spell}.
“[Summon Lesser Undead]!!”
Multitasking, I also dunk another MP potion to stave off that drowsiness. After all, the archer didn’t just lay there and take it.
He tried to shoot another arrow to hit me and it was blocked by my [Star Shield].
“Dammit, what the fuck is that? It’s cheating!” -Archer PKer-
Once the cast bar is done, below the ground lies a fissure where I have several prompts to choose which undead I can summon. I have no time to nitpick things so, I press Zombie Knight.
Emerging from that fissure is a putrefy zombie wearing old, torn knightly armour. Then it closes as that zombie shambles to hold its sword.
“Target the Rogue.”
A simple command but worked wonder as the zombie walked forth as if knowing where the rogue was by supernatural means.
“Now then. No hard feelings.”
*TINGGGGG*
Another arrow hit my shield in vain and just flopped onto the ground. Plus a dagger attack that doesn’t pierce the coat of glimmering colours.
“Seriously? You’re a monster.” -Archer PKer-
“I take that as a compliment.”
I raised my left hand to the Immobilized Archer. In the distance, I can hear an exchange of metals within Deep Woods. I need to provide backup for Mr. Zombie, he is not agile compared to the rogue.
“[Earthen Lance]!!”
“<Escape>” -Archer PKer-
Oh? A lance made from compacted earth jabbed the ground where the archer was. It seems that {Skill} removes CC and leaps the character back making my hit miss.
“See ya!” -Archer PKer-
He tries to run away. But I don’t think you can run far from me...
“[Widen: Mark]”
I was pointing my index finger at the aforementioned archer. His location is now displayed on my map and I can just easily follow him.
It seems Mr. Zombie is still battling the rogue, well... that Archer has a habit of leaving his comrades behind.
“[Double: Earth Bolt]”
Six clumps of compacted rock launched at incredible speed and aimed straight at the archer.
“*GAHKK!!!* H-how?” -Archer PKer-
“Magic. [Darkness Lance]”
As if darkness condensed into a spear, it shoots towards the fleeing Archer. Hitting him straight on and his body vanished leaving behind the loot he carried including his gear. It seems he didn’t level up enough.
Ah... smart of him, he only wears the standard gear purchased from the blacksmith. That way if he dies, it is only a common item. This equipment also contributes to why he dies easily.
Hmmm... does that mean he’s trying to figure out my {Trait}?
I can tell from the party system. Mr. Zombie have perished but I’m now too far away from that Rogue.
Well... Hehehe... I can just teleport to Frontera then as it means I have no enemies nearby.
-Return to Frontera-
Upon arrival to the city, I went north wanting to finish this advancement quest as soon as possible.
Wearing the standard coat, I stave off the bitter cold of Snow Field Area and expertly I avoided any hostile yetis.
They are, in game terms ‘Aggressive’ creatures meaning they will immediately lock on to someone nearby if they see them.
The Area designer of this place is kind enough to put up a road to climb the mountain. Following the path, it is leading me to the top of the mountain.
The top of this mountain is a space considered a ‘Safe Zone’. In addition, I can see many player couples hanging out as if having a picnic. Even...
Ughhhhh... they are making out in public too. Haaah, this is a nice spot to do those things I guess.
I’m here for something else! Peeking over to the other side, I can see multiple mountains connected by this path which means this is the next Area ‘Jagged Highland’.
Alright! Let me sit here for a bit waiting until dusk and nighttime.
“Kyaaaa~ no more honey bun. People can see us.” -Player-
“Hey, it's okay everyone is doing it too. Kitten. *Muah*- Player-
“Ahhh, you~” -Player-
(“Oh gods kill me please. My head is aching now. I bet it’s going to get worse at nighttime. Endure this a bit longer.”)
-Snow Field Night Cycle-
“Waaaaahhh... the stars look so pretty.”
I unconsciously stare at the skies and change my vision by <Mana Sense>. To me, the mana from stars looks like drops of different coloured ink in a clear glass of water. Sun’s Mana is a big drip similar to Moon’s. Since the stars are... further its influence is smaller. I mean that is my hunch and assumption. I know too well that assumptions are always wrong.
I sneer at the unsavoury things behind me. Haaaah... The game is indeed realistic and also has a lot of freedom. I do not want to describe what’s going on as it is +18 behind me but I have something to say to all of them internally.
Shameless. Shame. Shame. Shame to all of them. Really!? Right in front of my advancement quest?
Immediately, I teleported to My Home. To prevent my eyes from being defiled even further. I need to wash my eyeballs after seeing that.