Scammed by the World God

Prologue

Where Am I?

BEEP!I woke up disoriented and confused, my head throbbing with a pulsating headache.As I tried to sit up, I realized that my feet were submerged in a pool of sticky, dark liquid. I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings, but all I could see was a flickering purple light that barely illuminated the room.I tried to stand up and failed... My legs were strapped down securely to the chair.As I tried to make sense of my situation, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. The shadows in the room seemed to be moving of their own accord, silently disappearing and reappearing as if they were pulsating to my beating heart.One shadow, in particular, caught my eye. It seemed to focus on one of the panels as if it was trying to get my attention. And then, just as I was about to call out for help, it vanished.Was I hallucinating? Or was this some sort of nightmare? Why is it I can’t remember anything! Will I die here?I tried to shake the thoughts from my head and focus on finding a way out of this dark, mysterious room. Looking around, I realized that there were no doors or windows. I was trapped, helpless, with no way of escape.The shadow sharpened into focus again. It slithered across the floor, merging with the dark liquid that soaked my feet. I gasped in horror as it slowly crept up my legs, taking on the shape of a sinister, bulbous eyeball.The eyeball gashed at my mind as if it was searching for an echo of some ‘thing’ that was there but now... vanquished...

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Chapter 1

A Magical New World

BEEP!
I opened my eyes to find myself lying on a hard leather seat, the swaying motion of the coach making me dizzy.Sitting up slowly, I rubbed my eyes and looked out the window to see a strange and fantastical world. Rolling hills covered in vibrant red grass stretched out as far as my eyes could see, dotted with tall ancient trees that seemed to glow with an inner light.In the distance, I could see a range of snow-capped mountains, their ragged peaks bursting with pillars of flames.I turned to the coachman, a gruff-looking man with a thick beard and deep eyebrows. "Where am I?" I asked, my voice still thick with sleep and confusion.The coachman glanced back at me, his expression unreadable.
"You're in the land of Eldrida," he said gruffly. "You were found unconscious on the side of the road. I was headed to the capital and decided to take you with me.""I don't remember anything," I said.The coachman nodded with a smile. "That's not unusual. Many are those who came to Eldrida with their memories...lost. It's said that the land has a way of taking them."My mind raced as I tried to remember how I had ended up in this strange place and the feeling of someone or something watching intensifies.I shivered, a sense of unease creeping over me. "What kind of place is this?"The coachman gave a careless shrug."It's a place of magic and wonder, but also danger. There are creatures here that would make your blood run cold and dark forces that would seek to harm you. But there are also those who will help you if you're willing to look for them."I didn't know what to make of these words, but one thing was certain: I was going to have to be careful in this world while I find out what exactly is happening to me.As the coach continued on its journey, I couldn't help but notice that it was being pulled by a team of small dragons. They were sleek and black, with glossy scales that shimmered in the sunlight. Their wings were tucked close to their bodies, but I could see bundles of powerful muscles rippling beneath their skin.I turned to the coachman in surprise. "Are those dragons?" I asked, pointing to the creatures. The coachman nodded slowly. "Aye, they're darklings. Easily tamed if they're bred from a young age, but dangerous in the wild. They're the fastest way to travel through Eldrida."I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as I watched the darklings. But then I began to notice that we were heading into a dense forest, and I couldn't shake off a sudden feeling of unease.A strange compulsion stopped me from questioning the coachman. Noticing my unease, the coachman gave me a smirk, which made me question his real aim.As the coach entered the forest, the trees grew closer together and the light grew dim. I felt my heart pounding with fear and the feeling that the coachman was not to be trusted grew into a cold ache in my bones.What lay ahead in this dark silent forest?I knew I had to be ready for anything, and I braced myself for whatever was to come. I watched the coachman carefully, trying to gauge his intentions. The path we were on seemed to be leading towards a narrow recess in the trees that loomed far ahead."Why are we stopping here?" I asked, my voice tight with fear and uncertainty."This is where we're headed. I need your help with a small task." The coachman said.The coachman continued with a sinister grin. "There’s a small cave at the end of this path. Can you help bring me the pouch that’s hidden there?"“I’ll have a little surprise for you…as a reward.”I knew that I had to find a way to distract the coachman, so I could make my escape."I'll go in, but I’m... scared of the darklings. Can you please tie the darklings first?" I asked, trying to sound calm and sincere.The coachman hesitated for a moment, then nodded and went to tie the darklings.I quickly slipped out the back of the coach and started running as fast as I could, trying to put as much distance between me and the coachman as possible.I ran in a random direction through the forest until my legs ached and my chest burned in the damp undergrowth, and only then did I stop and catch my breath. Was this far enough? Did I manage to escape?

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Chapter 2

The River Ruins

I could hear the sound of running water echoing through the shadows and decided to run toward it.After what felt like hours, I finally emerged from the forest and found myself by the side of a fast-moving river, with the sun shining on my face.The river was wide and deep, its icy water rushing past with a roar. I stood there for a moment, taking in the beauty of the wild, and felt a sense of peace for the first time.I knew that I needed to find shelter for the night, and quickly scanned the area for a suitable spot. While it’s unlikely that the coachman will forsake his coach to chase after me, it is best to find a place to rest and hide, before I proceed further.It was then I spotted the outline of stony ruins on the far side of the river and made my way toward it. As I approached the ruins, I could see that they were ancient and crumbling. Covered with moss and nested between gloomy trees, the walls look like it was untouched for eons.I found a small alcove deeper in the ruins that seemed to be relatively safe, and decide to settle down for now.I was exhausted, not just physically but also emotionally. Still, I felt a sense of relief that I had managed to escape from the evil-looking coachman and his ‘reward’.
I knew that my journey was far from over and that many challenges lie ahead, but for now, I was just glad to have a roof over my head and a safe place to catch my breath.As I sat there, trying to rest, I noticed a shimmering dot in the corner of my vision. At first, I thought it was just a trick of the light, but as I focused on it, the dot began to grow larger. I realized that it was some sort of panel, and as I focused on it, the dot expanded to reveal a status window.The window displayed my health, my level, and a half-filled stamina bar. I also found tabs for ‘Inventory, Skills’ and a ‘Quest’ log.There’s a sudden fear invading my thoughts that prevented me from checking my Quest log. I do not know what kind of challenges and dangers lay ahead. I'm in a strange place, unknown to me. What if the Quest is to kill a monster within a certain time or suffer the penalty?
I’m just not ready for that. All I have now is just the clothes on my back. Nothing more.Checking my status window, I began to feel a sense of dismay as I saw that my level was only 1. My health and mana were also low at just 10 points each, and I knew that I would have to be careful in the future. There were some illegible text below the tabs which I couldn't make out and ignored for now.As I went through my skills, I noticed something flashing at me, it’s a unique skill named "Bargain Hunter".--------------------------------------------------------------------------
[BARGAIN HUNTER^ - Level 1]
- Exchange 10 mana for a random item from this world.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------This skill looks interesting and I thought it could come in handy. Perhaps I should focus on my status first and improve it as much as possible. Should I take a bit of risk and test out this skill and try to improve my situation?I decided to make use of the failing light and invested all my mana to exchange for a random item.Ping! With a thought, my mana bar which was green emptied in a flash.I closed my eyes and waited for the mana exchange to happen. When I opened my eyes, I was holding a plain-looking key, with a leather loop that I could hang around my neck. The key had a faded symbol on it, which I couldn't read or understand.The symbol was carved in an ancient script that looks ominous. But something about the key made me feel like it will be useful, and I knew that I had to keep it safe. With my new acquisition in hand, I closed my weary eyes and let myself drift off to sleep, listening to the sound of the river rushing past. I knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, I was safe. This skill seems like a valuable tool in my journey through this strange new world. I’m determined to survive...somehow.The ruins were eerie but peaceful and i fell asleep, exhausted. The night past quickly without any disturbance. As the morning dawned, I felt a sense of optimism.I knew that I needed to be well-equipped if I was going to survive in this strange and dangerous world. Recalling the unique skill that I had discovered yesterday, I decided to use it to acquire a weapon.Ping! I invested all my mana again and waited for the exchange to happen. This time around, I ended up holding a simple but sturdy-looking wooden staff.As I examined the staff, I noticed a small dull-looking crystal at one end of the staff, the other point ended in a sharpened tip that looked like it could be used for both melee and range attacks.It seemed unremarkable, but as I pointed the staff in different directions, the crystal started to glow with a soft gentle light. That has to mean something.I knew that I had to be careful, but I also knew that I had to follow my instincts. It’s not wise to be staying too long in the ruins.

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Chapter 3

A Sudden Encounter

I took a deep drink of the clear river water and remembered seeing two other skills below “Bargain Hunter”. Activating the status window, I took a closer look at the descriptions.
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[TRAILBLAZER - Passive]
- Navigate through the wilderness at 2x speed.
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[FIRESTARTER - Passive]
- 100% chance to start a fire using natural materials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------I couldn't help but feel a small sense of regret. I realized that I had missed out on two incredibly useful skills the night before.I had been in such a rush, only checking out the unique skill "Bargain Hunter" and had completely overlooked the passive skills which were in a darker hue, and harder to see in the failing light. But that’s no excuse.I realized now that I was tapping into the “Trailblazer” skill without even realizing it, and it had most likely saved my life.Distracted by my thoughts, I was shocked by the sounds of furious fighting coming from behind a half-buried statue in the ruins.Earsplitting shrieks echoed in the air.I carefully made my way toward the source of the noise and peeped from the side of the statue. What I saw left me horrified.Two darklings, the creatures that pulled the coach I rode on, were fighting each other. One of them, a severely wounded darkling with a bulging belly, fell in the fight.I couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy for the creatures. I could relate to their crisis, the struggle for survival, and the will to protect their young. The sight of the dying mother darkling was heart-wrenching.With a sweep of its tail, the victor left its dying foe and disappeared into the forest, leaving behind a bloody carcass. The only movement now came from the frantic kicks of the unborn creature still trapped inside its mother's belly. Last struggles of a yet-to-be-born baby that is about to die.I stood there frozen, staring at the silent mother and her unborn child. I knew that I had to do something to save the baby.Using the sharp end of my staff, I tried to force an opening in the belly of the dead mother. It was a difficult and gruesome task, but I knew that it was the only thing I could do for now.The staff finally tore through the small gaps between the hard scales, opening a deep gash on the side. I could see a pale claw!
I clawed at the gash and pulled the baby out of the enveloping flesh. I was surprised to find that it was covered with pale pearly scales. Is it an albino?Its small body was weak and fragile, and it was covered in blood and other dark fluids. I carefully carried it to the nearby river and washed it clean. The baby darkling gave a soft mew and slowly flex its muscles as it struggled to stand on its legs.Its crystalline eyes sparkled a brilliant blue.The baby darkling took stumbling steps into my arms and I knew that I had to give it a name. It was a living being and it deserved to have its own identity.I looked into its sparkling eyes reflecting the pale blue skies and I knew what I had to name it. I decided to call it "Icyheart" and hope that the coldness of its birth will fuel the warmth in its heart.I felt a strong bond with this little creature. “Icy” sounds like a great nickname.Icyheart was innocent and pure, and I knew that it was my responsibility to protect it. I tried to make it understand that I am there to help and that I would always be there for it.IcyHeart seemed to know, looking at me with its keen eyes. I could tell from the start that it was intelligent as it quickly learned to respond to its name and was able to understand simple commands.Icy was a small but powerful reminder that I have a choice to do good in this world.I realized that I had to find a way to feed Icy and recalled my unique skill "Bargain Hunter". The mana exchange seemed to be influenced somewhat by my thoughts and it could be useful to get some random food. Focusing my will on a suitable food for both of us, I invested all my mana and closed my eyes while hugging Icy close to my chest, waiting for the exchange to happen.When I opened my eyes, I saw that I was now holding a small pouch of dried meat.I fed Icy with small pieces of the dried meat and could see its eyes brighten as it fed. Icy appeared to be getting stronger now and more energetic. With this skill, I would be able to ensure that we will survive.I was aware that raising an albino creature in this world could be difficult but I was now responsible for this little creature's fate.As I held Icyheart close to me, I knew that my journey was far from over. It was only the beginning, but I am no longer alone.

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Chapter 4

The Journey Continues

With Icy following closely behind me, in small leaps and a light bounce, I continued to make my way out of the ruins. The crystal on my staff glows in a certain direction that runs along the river, and I felt that that is a good sign.Perhaps it’s a prompt to a nearby village or settlement, even though I did not see any during the journey on the coach. Thinking back, I still get a small shiver in my heart, for it is a reminder to be wary.As the day pass, I become more attuned to the mana that flows through this land. I can feel it coursing through my veins. While my mana is low at a measly 10, and can only be used for one skill, the mana does replenish after a short duration. I regain 1 mana after about every hundred steps - not too long, but not fast enough to be useful if I’m trapped in any unexpected situations.This limitation suddenly triggered an idea!I decided to use my mana every time it was full on my unique skill “Bargain Hunter”. Not only will it allow me to build up a surplus of food and maybe more items that I could use, but it is also a good practice to help me understand the limitations of this world and its ‘rules’.Calling up my status window, I focused on the Inventory tab and tried to figure out how I can store my staff in one of the empty slots while Icy looked at me curiously.As I focused my attention on an empty slot in my inventory, I felt the staff disappearing from my hand in a split second and slipping into the slot. Icy looked at me with wide eyes, clearly impressed by what I had just done.That’s not too difficult. I thought to myself.It seems possible to move physical items to and from the Inventory so long as I will it to happen. I wonder if I need to be physically holding on to the item for this to work. I removed the staff and willed it back into the Inventory a few more times. It works. I left the staff on the ground and tried it again. And the staff just lay there, immobile.By now Icy was glaring at me with an amused glint in the eyes, wondering about my fascination with the long thin ‘stick’.Ping! With a thought, I exchanged my mana to get another pouch of dried meat and stored it in the Inventory. Icy stood still for a second when the pouch disappeared.Ignoring the frustrated glares from my side, I continued, willing more pouches into my hands and storing them in empty slots in the Inventory. Before I know it, the retrieval and storage becomes natural actions that I felt confident enough to take, regardless of the situation.I realized that in this world, my will and focus were key to making things happen. I had to learn to harness my mana and use it to my advantage. It could be the difference between survival and despair.In yet another spark of sudden inspiration, I wondered if “Bargain Hunter” could be used to exchange my mana for money. It could be random money from some places in this world, but I am sure the common value for currencies should be generally applied no matter where the source is from.Ping! My eyes opened a fraction wider as 3 golden coins appeared in my palm. A slow grin appeared uncontrollably.I began to exchange my mana for a variety of coins in different shapes and sizes.Icy could not understand my happiness at discovering a way to generate funds for our travels. Beyond food, having sufficient money is paramount to survival in a foreign land. It might be somewhat troublesome, but I hope that there would be some way I can change the different coins into a common currency that could be used more readily. More wealth more health, they say.With my darkling companion by my side and my trusty staff to guide me, I felt ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.I remained alert to my surroundings but even then, I wasn't prepared for the sudden attack from a pack of grey wolves that leaped silently from the cluster of trees beside the river.The pack came charging towards me, their eyes glowing wild with crazed hunger, as specks of drool flew about their gaping jaws. I sidelined the first attacker while Icyheart let out a fierce roar and leaped into action, proving to be a formidable force as it rapidly took down the next few attacking wolves with swift swipes of its claws. But there were too many of them, and I knew that I had to use my wits to escape.I summoned the packs of dried meat from the inventory and used my passive skill “Firestarter” to light them into burning balls of flames that I threw to distract the wolves nearest to me. While the wolves are busy evading the sudden burst of flames, Icy and I teamed up to dispatch those that were slow to avoid our counterattacks.Witnessing this, the remaining wolves fled, with howls of despairing defeat.

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Chapter 5

Level Up!

My heart was pounding in my chest, and I struggled to catch my breath. Icyheart looked up at me with fierce determination in its eyes, and I knew that we had made it through the ordeal together.As I regained my composure, I noticed a strange sensation flowing through me. It was as if my body was being filled with a new energy, and my mind was clearing. And then, I noticed the shimmering dot of my status window glowing a vivid blue.My eyes widened in surprise as I realized that I might have leveled up!I quickly checked my status window, eager to see what changes had occurred. To my surprise, I discovered that there was a new ‘Companion’ tab that I had not noticed before, which contained information about Icyheart, and its abilities.--------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICYHEART - Level 1] Female Darkling^
- Razor Claws, Serrated Fangs, Rapid Dash, Camouflage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------What!?!? Icy is a girl??
That’s quite...hmm..., as I’ve been thinking of Icy more as a ferocious buddy and never really thought of it as a ‘her’. It seems quite logical, however, as the female kind tends to be better equipped and much more protective of their family, even as a baby.Guess I have to look at Icy in a different light, given how she has way more abilities than I do. Razor Claws and Serrated Fangs sound way sharper than my stubby little fingers.Switching to my status window, I saw that I’ve gained a level. At level 2, my health and mana are now listed as 30 points each. That means I could use “Bargain Hunter” three times in a row to exchange for random items.Putting the newfound mana into use, I quickly Ping! 3 pouches of dried meat and shared one with Icy as a victory treat.Looking around at the gruesome remains of the wolves, I decided to store them in the empty inventory slots for now.I continued to follow the direction indicated by the crystal on my staff. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I spotted a keep in the far distance, clinging to the sides of a cliff.As I approached the keep, I could see that it was heavily guarded by soldiers wearing plates of dull-looking armor. Each one is equipped with a long sharp pike.
One of them stepped forward from his post at the gates and demanded to know my business."I am a traveler," I said, deciding to be vague. "I seek shelter for the night.""And what is it with that darkling by your side?" the soldier asked, eyeing Icyheart warily. "It looks unusual for its kind.""That is my companion, a foreign breed I picked up recently," I replied calmly.The soldier looked at Icyheart skeptically, but after a moment, he nodded. "Very well, you may enter. Pay the tolls at the gates.”Gesturing towards the gates of the keep, the soldier returned to his post at the fire pits.I hurried towards the gates and saw the toll collector, an aged man with bald patches on his head, hunched over the counter. He looked up as I approached and held out his pudgy hand expectantly."I am sorry, I seem to have mixed up my coins," I said, feeling a little embarrassed, unsure of the right coin to use for the toll payment. I reached into my shirt and called up a handful of coins from my inventory.The toll collector gave me a puzzled look and said "Young lad, it's too windy a night to be testing my sights.”“There, I’ll just take these 2 Ferris for the toll. Now leave me be." He waved me away grumpily.I breathed a sigh of relief while I swept up the remaining coins and thanked the toll collector as I passed through the gates, with Icy swinging her head to and fro as she followed me closely, curious but cautious.Keeping my head down, I entered the keep.

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Chapter 6

Iron Keep

I crossed beneath the gates of Iron Keep, with Icy clinging closely behind my heels.I was awestruck by the grandeur of the place. The iron-clad walls loomed high above me, casting a brilliant red glow in the twilight. The plaza around the corner was bustling with life, teeming with adventurers, merchants, and mages around tall braziers of fire, all going about their affairs in a symphony of sights and sounds.As I entered the square, a swarm of people from all walks of life called out to me, trying to get my attention and sell their wares. I caught glimpses of adventurers in dented armor and well-dressed merchants bustling about with their servants, trading goods and exchanging tales of their travels. In one corner, a group of mages dressed in long blue robes inscribed with strange symbols huddled together, whispering amongst themselves. One of them flicked her wrist and nonchalantly fired off a fiery spark against a cloud of flies, her eyes sparkling with magical power. It seems like mana isn't in short supply for some, I thought sarcastically."Hey there, stranger," a gruff-looking dwarf merchant greeted me, offering his selection of weapons and armor. "You're new here, aren't ya? What brings you to Iron Keep?""Just passing through," I replied casually, still cautious about drawing unnecessary attention. "I heard this place is a hub for travelers and merchants alike."The dwarf let out a cheery laugh. "Aye, that it is. But be warned, Iron Keep isn't for the faint of heart. There's a reason why the walls are red and it's not just cos of the rust. You've got all sorts here, from mages seeking rare minerals to those dammed thieves looking for their next big score."The dwarf winked as he continued. "But if you're looking for a place to rest or for company, I can suggest a safe spot for ye. Try the Mermaid's Bar over there," he added, pointing to a building with a green mermaid sign hanging above its door. "It's catering to aspiring adventurers so the price is kinda decent too. Mention Dartek and perhaps there's some free grub for you."I nodded with a slight smile and thanked Dartek for his advice, stating that I still wish to walk shop around the plaza a while longer. Dartek gave me a wave and went back to his other customers.Sneaking quick looks at the people around me as I walked towards the center of the square, where the fountain was. I saw that the population of Iron Keep is indeed very diverse. Most of the people looked to be humans, but there were some with different facial features, like sharper tips to their ears, or reptilian-looking eyes. Others, with a variety of armor and shadowy clothing covering their arms, are more secretive, with contrasting tattoos sprawling over skin and scales alike.As I made my way deeper into the crowd, I encountered a group of adventurers, who were warming their arms over a brazier, discussing their latest expedition."Excuse me," I said, approaching them. "Can you tell me more about the area surrounding Iron Keep?"One of the adventurers, a tall, muscular human, spoke up. "Well, you seem to be new here so you might not know this. There are plenty of dangers to be had out there recently, from fierce beasts to treacherous traps set by the Forsaken. No one knows what's happening lately to cause the stir. But the rewards are well worth it, especially if you're looking for rare materials like monster cores, which are usually harder to come by if there wasn't such an influx."I nodded, and handed him a few Ferris to thank him for his advice as he rejoined his companions, mumbling something about "travelers these days".Making my way through the square to the end of the plaza with Icy, I raked in all the colorful sights and sounds. I couldn't help but start to feel a stirring of adventure and excitement. Everywhere I looked, there were vendors selling all sorts of goods and services, from exotic spices piling over terracotta urns to glowing enchanted weapons displayed in rows on low tables. Icy, still clinging near me, seemed equally entranced by all the activity around us.Just as I was making my way through the crowd, a gnarled old man in a blackish tattered cloak slid up against me, his eyes fixed on Icy."That's quite the unique darkling you've got there," he said with a cackle. "It might be worth a fair bit of gold, you know."I tightened my grip on Icyheart protectively, wary of the old man's intentions. "She's not for sale," I replied firmly.The old man just chuckled and leaned in even closer, his breath rank with the scent of rot. "Think again, stranger. There's a whole market for darklings, and for a special-looking one like that, they'll pay top coins.""No," I said, curtly. I knew I needed to get away from the old man as quickly as possible, so I thought fast and looked around for an escape.Moving quickly away from the old man, I spotted another group of adventurers engaged in a heated argument ahead and moved towards them, hoping to blend in and escape the old man's attention.To my relief, the old man seemed to lose interest and wandered off, perhaps not wanting to attract any attention either. Still, I thought darkly, it's the second time someone here commented about Icy...Looking around, I saw that everything seems to be back to normal. No one else is following us.With a sigh of relief, I hugged Icy close and decided to make my way back to the Mermaid's Bar, eager to find a place to rest now that I'd had enough of the hustle the beckoning plaza had to offer. The night is still young, but it might be a wiser call to settle in early, under the blood-red glare of Iron Keep.

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Chapter 7

The Mermaid's Bar

The sign for the Mermaid's Bar seems to shimmer in the night, giving off a gentle otherworldly glow. I thought the sign looks somewhat ugly, with a grinning mermaid hugging a gigantic mug. Icy, however, was not perturbed at all. She was nosing against the door, having caught wisps of delicious food smells coming through the cracks.I pushed against the door and entered the Mermaid's Bar. The smell of sizzling meats rushed through me, whetting my appetite against the lively atmosphere. The bar was filled with the sound of clanging glasses and boisterous laughter. A small dwarven girl stood behind the counter, her eyes lighting up as she caught sight of me."Welcome, traveler!" She called out, her voice ringing with cheer. "I'm Pearl. What brings you to the Mermaid's Bar?"I approached the counter and replied, "I was told by the dwarf merchant outside that this was a good place to rest for the night."Pearl beamed, "That's right! My mother and I are converting this bar into an inn for travelers and adventurers like yourself. We've lots of satisfied customers from the Adventurer's Guild and I'm sure you'll find a warm bed and a hot meal here."I couldn't help but notice Pearl's interest in Icyheart, who was still stealing hungry looks in the direction of the customers seated in the dining area. "And what about your companion?" Pearl asked, her eyes fixed on Icy's fidgety tail."This is my friend, she is traveling with me on my journey," I replied.Pearl's eyes lit up even more, "I've never seen a darkling with such beautiful scales! They're pale like pearls from the Agatean Seas. My father gave me a pearl necklace before he passed away, and I always cherished it. It's a shame he's not here to see such a magnificent creature."I could see the sadness in Pearl's eyes as she mentioned her father, so I decided to change the subject. "What can you tell me about Iron Keep? I'm still new to this place and I'm trying to get a feel for it."Pearl's face lit up again as she began to talk about Iron Keep. "Oh, there's so much to see and do here! Iron Keep is at the crossroads of the empire so we've plenty of visitors from everywhere, mostly here to check out our mining forges and nearby tamed dungeons. But if your interest is in magic, you should drop by the mage towers. They're located near the center of the keep and are home to some of the most powerful mages in Eldrida. They offer training and sell all sorts of specialty magic items. It's a pretty sight to see the towers lit up at night.""That sounds interesting," I smiled. "What about the Adventurer's Guild? You mentioned it earlier.""Ah, the Adventurer's Guild! It's a great place for travelers like yourself if you're in need of a quick coin," Pearl said excitedly. "You can take up bounty missions, join a party of adventurers, or just get information on local happenings. It's a hub of activity and a great place to network with others.""Thanks for the recommendation," I said, making a mental note to check out the Adventurer's Guild tomorrow. "What other sights should I see while I'm here?""Well, there's the market square, where vendors sell all sorts of goods, from weapons to food. It's always bustling with activity, and you can find some great deals there. Dartek's stall offers a good price for new adventurers. And of course, there's the Festival of Fire, which is happening next week. That's our big yearly celebration in Iron Keep, so you should stay till then. There's music, dancing, food, and lots of fireworks. It's a great time to be here!"I considered the information. "Perhaps just a hot meal for today, if you have any to spare," I replied, grateful for the chance to grab a warm meal after a long journey. Icy, who was patiently looking about turned her head sharply back upon hearing my words."Of course! We have the best stews in Iron Keep. I recommend the venison stew, it's my favorite," Pearl suggested, her eyes sparkling with the prospect of gaining a customer.I nodded and she disappeared into the kitchen to place my order. I took a look around the bar and settled into an empty table while I waited. It was a cozy place, with low wooden furniture and dim lighting. A variety of characters, from dwarves to elves, all gathered around their tables, with some shouting exaggerated tales of their adventures, which grew wilder with every sip, while their human companions cheered them on with bemused looks.In the corner, I noticed a lone female elf dressed in a revealing dark outfit. Her piercing gaze met mine and she didn't look away. I couldn't help but feel like she was observing me and I quickly looked away, not wanting to cause any unwanted conflicts.Pearl soon returned with my hot stew and I thanked her, pulling out some Ferris from my pouch to pay for it. I made a mental note to skill up more coins soon, as my Ferris supply seems to be running low."You're welcome. Here's some extra stew for Icy. Enjoy your meal!" Pearl said as she counted the coins. "Let me know if you'd like anything else!" And she left with a smile.

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Chapter 8

Uncommon Coins

After finishing my meal with Icy, I approached Pearl and asked about staying for the night. As I rest my elbows on the counter, Pearl leaned forward and looked at me with curious eyes."Excuse me, traveler," she said in her soft voice. "Now that you've enjoyed our stew, what may I call you? I'll need a name for the guest logs"I hesitated for a moment, feeling uneasy about giving my name. I ... haven't really thought about my name since I couldn't recall anything. Even so, I had always been careful about sharing personal information, especially in a place like Iron Keep where Icy is attracting interest. The Mermaid’s Bar seems like a decent place so far, but I still want to be careful.Pearl seemed to understand my hesitation, and she nodded. "I understand," she said. "Some people prefer to keep their background a secret.""I just go by 'Terry’' for now, I replied, trying to keep my answer vague."Okay, Terry the traveler," she said with a smile. "Just be careful what you do here in Iron Keep. This place is known to be a haven for all sorts of characters, some of which are not so friendly. Ask for help if you need to and try not to trash the place.""Don't worry, Pearl," I said, returning her smile. "I have no intention of causing trouble.""Good," she said, sounding relieved. "Just remember, my family has put a lot of work into this place, and we wouldn't want anything to happen to our guests."“Now then, a standard room will give you one bed and a meal a day for 3 Ferris. It’s cheaper if you book a week and I can throw in another meal daily,” continued Pearl.I gave Pearl an assuring smile and paid her for a standard room for a day. The next morning might bring new happenings and I’m also out of Ferris after these last coins were used. This might be a good time to ask Pearl about the rest of my coins.“Hey Pearl, would I be able to use any of these coins here?” I asked.Pearl looked at the coins in my hand and raised an eyebrow."Where did you get these?" she asked, sounding curious.I shrugged. "I've been traveling for a while and picked them up along the way."Pearl nodded and started to examine each coin carefully. "These are common coins from the rest of the world," she said. "But some of these, I've never seen before."I leaned in closer to look at the coins she is referring to. "Really? Which ones?"Pearl pointed to a few odd-shaped coins mixed in the pile. "These ones here. I'm not sure where they're from. These other ones are different coins from the Agatean states. My father used to travel a lot, and he brought back a lot of strange coins, but these hexagonal ones are new to me."Curious, Icy too tried to leap up to look at the coins in my hands."Interesting," I added, while I pushed Icy away. "Do you think they would be accepted as payment here in Iron Keep?"Pearl shrugged. "It's hard to say. Some places might accept them, but we don't do so here at the bar. You never know with coins, even in places like Iron Keep where we have many travelers from everywhere. It's always best to have a mix of coins and currency that's widely accepted, just in case. You can go to the Adventurer's Guild if you want to exchange some coins for Ferris."I nodded, thinking it over, while I followed Pearl to my room. "Thanks for your advice, Pearl. I'll keep that in mind."Pearl smiled, as she passed me the key to my room and gave Icy a pet on her head. "Of course. And if you ever have any more questions, feel free to ask me. I'll be at the counter, mostly. Enjoy your stay at the Mermaid's Bar!"

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Chapter 9

The Nightmare

I settled down in the room and returned the collection of coins to my inventory. The information from Pearl hinted at a larger expanse of land beyond Eldrida. The Agatean States seems to be beside the sea, and I might be able to travel from Iron Keep to any of these lands.Perhaps I should prioritise buying a map tomorrow and find out about those odd coins.By now Icy had hopped onto the bed and was now comfortably resting. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her nestling herself into the pillows. Young as she might be, only a day old, Icy became a trustworthy companion that I can count on, by my side.I skilled up some more odd bits of coins and lay down on the bed beside Icy, exhausted from my travels and the events of the day. It was easy to just close my eyes and let myself drift off into sleep. Terry the traveler has a ring to it that was comforting...BEEP!
I woke up disoriented and confused, my head throbbing with a pulsating headache. Why is this so familiar? Where am I?As I tried to sit up, I realized that my feet were submerged in a pool of sticky, dark liquid. I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings, but all I could see was a flickering purple light that barely illuminated the room.I tried to stand up and failed... My legs were strapped down securely to the chair. A sinister, bulbous eyeball appeared and a wave of burning thoughts lashed at my mind, it was ripping through my status window, searching and searching for something, someone, some being...My mind is burning under the barrage. White hot spots chiseled into the back of my eyes as I tried to look away but failed. My body started to melt into the chair. A slimy mess that drips into the warm pool of blood beneath me …BEEP!I woke up with a start, my heart racing, my shirt drenched in sticky sweat. I quickly sat up and activated my status window, only to find that I can’t read the text on the panel. What is going on?The window was flickering with wisps of black smoke like it was still corrupted. My hands were shaking as I closed the status window and tried to make sense of what was happening. Was it all just a nightmare, or was there some hidden force at work?I rubbed my eyes and called up my status again.This time around, the text looks normal and I can easily switch between the tabs for ‘Inventory, Skills, and Companion’ with the dreaded ‘Quest’ log by the side.I sat still for a while, looking around the room. Everything was where it was, with a light ray of moonlight shining through the cracks, landing on the bucket of water on the table.Icy gave a light rustle in her sleep, oblivious to my nightmares. It seems like she is not a light sleeper, but what do I know of the darkling kind? I wonder if there’s anyone I can go to to find out more about the species.Taking slow deep breaths, I steadied my heartbeats. I’m safe here. I'm safe.I must get more information and find out who I am and what I can do to survive. Scrolling down to the ‘Bargain Hunter’ skill, I activated it to exchange for more coins, this time around, fortunately, with more Ferris in the mix.I plan to approach a street vendor or enquire at the Adventurer's Guild tomorrow to exchange some of the unfamiliar coins for Ferris. It seems more essential than ever that I secure a map for the region and get my bearing in Iron Keep.The small window on the far side of the room continued to let in a cool steady breeze that flows with the rhythm of my heartbeats. Against the low buzz of the night market, I slowly drifted back into an uneasy but empty sleep...

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Chapter 10

The Adventurer's Guild

I woke up to the sound of the market filtering through the window. The street hailers going about catches of the day. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my arms, feeling refreshed from the night's sleep. I looked over to Icy, who was still sound asleep on the bed. I tried to wake her up, but she was too deep in her slumber. I shrugged and decided to leave her in the room, she must have been exhausted from the journey.Suddenly recalling my nightmare, I shivered in the cool morning breeze. It took a moment to calm and ready myself for what the day might bring. I guess it's time to make a stop at the Adventurer's Guild.I went back to the bar to ask Pearl for directions to the Adventurer's Guild. She was cleaning up after the revelry last night and greeted me with a warm wave from the tables. Moving to the counter, she poured me a hot cup of tea."Good morning, Terry. You're up way early," she said."Good morning, Pearl. I was thinking of visiting the Adventurer's Guild today. Can you tell me how to get there?" I asked."Sure, just head straight out from the bar and take a left when you reach the marketplace. The Adventurers Guild is located near the mage towers. Just look for the sign," she said.I thanked her and headed back to fetch Icy, she has awakened and is curious about where I am. I gave Icy a reassuring pet and shared our plans for today. She seemed to get what I meant, or so I hoped.I walked towards the marketplace and saw Dartek, who was setting up his stall. I thanked him for the suggestion to stay at Mermaid's bar and told him about my plans to visit the Adventurer's Guild today."Aye, just head straight and take a left at the marketplace. Ye can't miss it," he said, pulling on the tarp over his stall.But then Dartek leaned in closer, almost like an afterthought, and whispered, his accent vanished, "But be careful, there seems to be someone following you yesterday. Keep your guard up and watch your back."I nodded slowly and thanked Dartek, feeling a sense of unease wash over me. I quickened my pace as Icy followed, while calmly keeping an eye out for any suspicious characters. After a tense short walk, I finally reached the Adventurer's Guild, a large brown building with a golden gilded sign that read, "Adventurers Welcome". I calmly pushed open the door and stepped inside.As I entered the Adventurers Guild, I couldn't help but feel awestruck by its grandeur. The tall vaulted ceilings seemed to soar up into the sky, and I could see multiple stories extending up from where I was standing. The walls were lined with display cases that held all sorts of impressively decorated items and equipment.I noticed mounted heads of various rare beasts displayed along the walls, reminding visitors of the guild's prestige as a site for adventurers to show off their prowess. It was early morning but the sounds of busy chatter and clanging weapons being repaired already filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.As I made my way through the crowds, I couldn't help but be impressed by the variety of people I saw. There were tall elves mixed with short dwarves, humans of all shapes and sizes, and even a few bulky half-orcs and skinny gnomes. Contrasts everywhere I looked, with one thing that is apparent - they were all gathered here, united in their pursuit of adventure and treasure.

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Chapter 11

The Rankers

I stopped near the center of the lobby and tried to make sense of where to go. Some corners in the Adventurer's Guild were dimly lit by flickering torches with burly guards standing in front and doesn't seem to be spaces visitors should go. The logical choice would be the rows of counters under the high arched ceilings, backed by the translucent stained glass windows that let in soft, warm light.These counters are manned by staff in neat green uniforms, with adventurers crowding around them. Some were handing over papers, others were haggling over the rewards for bounties, and some were perusing the various missions on the boards. A couple of elves were accompanied by darklings though they were of the black-scaled kind.I approached one of the counters, trying to navigate my way with Icy through the sea of people. A small blonde woman in a uniform noticed us and asked, "Hi there, I'm Elsa, how may I help you today?""I'd like to ask about guild services," I said, trying to be heard over the din. "I was told I could change some currencies here.""Of course," she said, handing me a form. "Guild services are for members only. Are you a registered adventurer? If so, please indicate your registration number. If not, you'll need to register as one."I took the form, realizing that I had not thought about registering as an adventurer. "This is my first time here," I replied. "Can you tell me more about the differences?""Ah, I see. Let me explain," she added, with an understanding look. "The guild provides services like storage and currency exchanges for members only and we'll file the records on behalf with the Magistrate Office. As a registered adventurer, you'll be entitled to such services for free as part of your membership. Once you leveled up as a ranked adventurer, you'll gain access to even more benefits, such as applying to stay at guild residences."Elsa gave me an encouraging look and continued. "Registered adventurers can take on missions up to class 'C' as they please, but they won't have a ranking. Ranked adventurers, on the other hand, have a standing with the guild and can take on more challenging missions of class 'B' and above with better rewards. Ranking evaluations are done yearly at our guild.""Ah, I understand," I thanked Elsa and she directed me to fill out the registration form for new adventurers. She reminded me that I'm also required to take a test to assess my abilities and pointed me toward her colleague.As I approached the other counter with Icy following beside me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The staff member, a tall bespectacled man with a stern expression, was looking at Icy curiously."Name and affiliation," he asked, his pen poised over a sheet of paper."Uh, I'm a new adventurer, just arrived in Iron Keep. I don't have any affiliation," I replied, trying to hide my nervousness."That's fine, let's take a look at your level and skills," the man said, reaching for the glowing crystal orb beside him. "Put your left palm on the orb."But as soon as I touched it, the orb flickered a few times and went dark."What the...," the man muttered, trying to shake the orb back to life."Is something wrong?" I asked, my heart starting to beat faster."It's just a crystal fault," the man said dismissively. "Happens from time to time. Can't be helped."But then, he hesitated and looked at me again, almost like he was convincing himself. "The orb managed to capture his profile as a level 2. That would be too low for anyone to gain a skill. It must be over-used with all the new registrations recently."The staff straightened his back, "Tell you what, I'll just endorse your guild card now to qualify you as a registered adventurer. Come back to take the test again and update your guild card once you've attained a higher level."I was momentarily stunned. Was this some kind of trick? But before I could say anything, the man pushed forward my guild card and shooed me away."Next!" he called, and the line of adventurers behind me shuffled forward.I took my guild card and stepped away from the counter, still in a state of shock. Was this the way things were done? Had I just slipped my way into registering with the Adventurer's Guild?But as I looked back at the bustling electronic post-office-like atmosphere, I realized that no one seemed to have taken much notice of my situation. They were all too busy with their own concerns.Wait... electronic post office? How did I come up with that reference? There's nothing remotely 'electronic' in this world that I've seen to date. My eyes clouded for a second. A sudden wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm me as I tried to hang on to the memory. Icy saw that I was falling down and pranced quickly around me to push me up from the sides.Grasping my newly minted guild card in one hand, and resting some of my weight on Icy with the other, we clumsily made our way out of the guild and back to the streets of Iron Keep.

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Chapter 12

The Guild Card

I stumbled into a shady corner beside the Adventurer's Guild and took a deep breath to fight off the nausea. Something doesn't feel right. I'm strangely less perturbed than expected about waking up without my memories in an unknown place while overly petrified by the foreboding nightmare that seems to be hinting at hidden dangers. Icy pranced around me, giving me concerned glances.I pulled out the newly minted Adventurer's Guild member card from my pocket and took a closer look. It was a rectangular piece of metal with rounded edges and intricate etchings. A faint glow came from within and a shimmering symbol of an axe could be seen, applied over a realistic image of my face. I looked a fair bit younger than how I feel at the moment.I read through my profile, which was engraved on the card - my name "Terradin Eddingdale", level 2, with the rank of "H" and unassigned affiliation were all stated clearly. There weren't any titles or skills listed even though I'm sure of the skills which I'd been using.I couldn't help but feel puzzled. Terradin Eddingdale? Was that my name which I had no recollection of? And why did I need a physical card when most of the information could easily be accessed through my status window?But then it dawned on me - perhaps not everyone in Eldrida might have the same capabilities as I did. They might not even have a status window, and a physical card like this could be the only way for them to prove their name and rank.This is getting more unsettling every step of the way and I was determined to test out my theories. Dartek looks like someone who might know a thing or two. I can strike up a conversation with him and see what I can glean there.Making up my mind, I looked around to make sure no one is looking my way and activated my unique skill to exchange all my mana for a pair of daggers and a fistful of coins. Icy as usual, reacted with a soft yelp of surprise when she sees items being conjured out of thin air, and disappearing just as fast.With that, I let out a small chuckle to myself that the ranked "H" traveler Terradin and his trusty companion Icy, are going to make their first big foray into the world of mysterious adventures. And just as we were about to take that bold step, a smooth female voice sounded from behind me."Excuse me, but I've been following you and your darkling friend..."

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Chapter 13

A Job Request

I turned around and saw an elven girl, who looked to be about Pearl's age, with long silver hair and piercing green eyes. The girl smiled and walked up with a confident stride."I'm Lina, and I couldn't help but notice that you have a white darkling, which is incredibly rare. As an arcane researcher, I've heard rumors of such sightings and wish to talk to you about it," said the girl.I raised an eyebrow, wondering how the girl knew about Icy, and asked, "And how did you know to find us?" While Icy draws a step behind me, sensing that she was the topic of our conversation."Well, I've been studying darklings for years, and I've been waiting for the appearance of a white darkling. It's said that the white darkling is incredibly powerful and can only be tamed under very special conditions. I'm extremely curious how you managed to do so," shared Lina, without elaboration.I glanced at Icy, who was still hiding behind me, and wondered if Lina was telling the truth, or even who she said her name was. "So, what do you want from me?""I'd like to offer you a commission, with a bag of gold for your efforts. I believe that with you and your darkling friend, we could unearth new information about a prophecy passed down by my ancestors regarding the coming of a white darkling. I need help to verify its accuracy and this could be done with greater certainty if I have an actual white darkling to compare the details with. What do you say to a short 3-day journey to my family estates?" asked Lina.I thought about it for a moment and decided to keep my options open. After all, there was no immediate need to earn extra income. My unique skill, although it was still fairly random, is good enough to help me with a free Ferris or two, provided I keep pace with the mana exchange.I turned to Lina and said, "Okay, let me think about it. I'm in the middle of something and I don't think I can take up the job for now."Seeing my reluctance, Lina collected her enthusiasm and offered me parting words as she took another look at Icy. "I understand your need to protect your friend but I truly bear no ills. Please come by to the Mage Towers and look for me if you changed your mind. I'll always have the gold ready if you choose to accept my offer."I gave her a quick nod and we parted ways. Lina sounded genuine but I'm not going to jump into a trip at the drop of a hat. My experience with the coachman is a warning that words should be taken with a good pinch of salt, or the subsequent actions might prove otherwise... dangerous.With that thought in my mind, I collected myself and made my way with Icy back to the plaza to find Dartek.

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Chapter 14

Socketed Weapons

Coming soon.

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