Chapter 8 : Forced Quest Trigger

When Weed connected to the game, everyone else was already gathered together. The Orc Seechwi and Seoyoon were there too.

"..."

Weed had a pain in his chest whenever he saw Seoyoon.

She was definitely going to get back at him because he had made a sculpture of her without her permission!

The idea that Seoyoon was a killer was firmly held in his heart. Even if she had not learned how to wield a sword properly, he feared the terrible things that would happen if he was careless.

"What else do you want to hunt?"

Weed was trying to resume the hunt when Geomchi raised his hand.

"First I have something to say."

"Go ahead master."

"We would like to go and hunt separately."

"...Did we do something to offend you?"

"That's not it, we just want to do some hunting on our own."

Weed looked over at Geomchi2, Geomchi3, Geomchi4, and Geomchi5.

"You all feel the same way?"

They nodded.

It was a decision the Geomchis had made after talking about it to each other.

Hunting together in groups was more enjoyable.

But they realized the limitations in it.

There was a limit to how much they could avoid an enemy's attacks with just their movements.

All their stat growth was in attack! They were very vulnerable to magic attacks and curses as well as to sudden attacks from random monsters.

'We don't want to embarra.s.s ourselves. It wouldn't look good if we end up dying in front of the children.'

Geomchi also supported the idea for other reasons.

Their defense was very low and honestly speaking their damage was too weak in order to be hunting with the party.

Then they had seen Seoyoon. Their damage was nowhere close to her level!

'Amazing! Even without the proper movements, I did not think it possible to do that with just a higher skill level.'

'Das.h.i.+ng. It's a skill that rushes towards the enemy. In reality it would be hard to show off that sort of explosive power.'

'Using skills. Even if they fake and can only be used in Royal Road. I am still strong.

'It wouldn't hurt to become the strongest in this continent.'

Geomchi, Geomchi2, Geomchi3, Geomchi4, and Geomchi5 played around in Royal Road.

They were actual swordsmen in real life.

Most of the other Geomchis came in order to hone their skills but the instructors had come to play around.

However, for the first time they got sincere about the game.

Although it was only to remove their weaknesses and raise their skill levels to become the very best.

Royal Road was without a doubt virtual reality. They could see, touch, and feel.

It was also a world in itself.

They wanted to become the best in this world as well.

It was difficult for them to bear being even a little bit weaker than someone else.

Of course, Geomchi5 had an opinion.

"Ahem! Master and Sahyungs as well. I think we should properly think about what we need to do."

"What do you mean? Do you mean our lack of armor? If that is the case, can't we just see if Weed can make us some decent armor?"

Geomchi5 just shook his head and said.

"It's not so simple. As you guys know, this place is called the Versailles Continent"

"That's right. It wouldn't be wrong to say that we have not seen enough of this world."

"That also means the creation of couples. Pale was able get a girlfriend. Yesterday since we went to the cafe, I decided that I didn't want to be alone."

"Then, Geomchi5 are you suggesting..."

"We need to become the best! Being the best means that we become very popular. Don't you guys see what I'm saying?"

Geomchi4 was trembling with excitement.

"I see. Outside of Serabourg there was a famous guild recruiting all sorts of people!"

"There were quite a few high level people going off to a hunt. If we go and show that we are the best, then we can become popular."

Geomchi5 made a suggestion.

They could show off their unrealistic and overpowering strength to women and children. It was obvious to Geomchi4 what Geomchi5 was suggesting.

"Sahyung are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Its a good idea Geomchi5."

After thinking about it Geomchi2 nodded. However it was not yet decided. There were still a few issues being left out.

They had saw the Geomchis at the concert.

Lifelong bachelors.

They didn't have to guess, since it seemed that they had devoted their lives to the sword.

That was become to normal people, they seemed content being crazy swordsmen.

'Meet with a woman alone? Indeed there are more than just teens and people in their 20s playing on the Versailles Continent.'

Geomchi thought about it and nodded his head.

"It's a good idea Geomchi4."

The Geomchis made their decision to leave. On the surface they left in order to become stronger.

Weed made the Geomchis wear basic armor.

"The defense is higher now and it's pretty light so you don't have to worry about it restricting your movements. There is also some magic resist so you don't need to be that wary of magic anymore."

"That's good to know."

Weed made armor, boots, helmets, and gloves from the iron ore and leather they obtained from the Rotten Lich Dungeon.

It came out with relatively average defense because he was using normal materials, but with Weed's Intermediate Level 3 Blacksmithing he could probably get about 250000 won for them.

That was because of his advanced Handicrafting that the item's durability was significantly higher than usual.

"This is a gift. You will need it during hunting."

Cold Bandages made from sewing skills!

Weed had made several rolls of bandages. The bandages could quickly stop bleeding and restore health. Weed gave them a backpack filled with bandages. Since none of the Geomchis had healing skills, the bandages would prove to be a valuable lifeline for them.

After the Geomchis left, Weed's party returned to the Castle of the Dark Elves.

They met with Mapan to dispose of the j.a.ptem and then they checked over their items in preparation to hunt again.

Continuous repet.i.tive hunting!

Weed knew all the details about the surrounding area and monsters in the Yuroki Mountains.

Now the overall level of the party was about 300.

'It's just getting started.'

Weed clenched his fist.

It was time for crazy hunting.

Acquire items and gain experience. Thanks to his various production skills he could hunt faster and more efficiently.

However, Weed was going to have to wait.

Back in the city of the dark elves there were some uninvited guests waiting.

The pope candidate Alveron and the Paladins from the Church of Freya.

High priests were not allowed to leave the temple without at least 20 bodyguards.

The paladins placed a hand on their chest and bowed to Weed.

"h.e.l.lo benefactor of the church."

There were more than 100 paladins present giving him a salute.

"Wow, that's so cool!"

Such a wonderful sight caught Surka by surprise. The Paladins were lined up in the middle of the day in full uniform. The high priests were also in a solemn posture.

Alveron took a step forwards from the high priests.

"The Church of Freya has ordered us to come and hear Weed's answer."

"..."

Weed did not say anything. His party however was making a big fuss.

The Knights of the Church of Freya came to call him out.

"Ah, the Paladins of the Church of Freya!"

Irene and Romuna were amazed.

"They're here for Weed!"

Once again, Hwaryeong admired Weed.

They had been hunting together, but Weed's fame was beyond anything they could ever think of.

He was the one who obtain indisputable power in the Continent of Magic.

Then he laid out his own story in the Versailles Continent.

It was thrilling to listen to his stories of adventure!

It was incredible to learn these facts about Weed.

'To think that the Knight of the Church of Freya would come. It doesn't matter which church it's from but it's got to be someone very high up.'

Maylon looked at Weed like a frightened rabbit.

He had a calm look on his face.

There was a smile on his face but it looked a little bit annoyed.

He was taking something like this on calmly.

'I really admire Weed. Not even the toughest adventurers would be able to take on those quests.'

Zephyr said with admiration.

"The Church of Freya came all the way out here from the temple just to hear Weed's response."

In actuality it was quite different. Weed wanted to run to anywhere that isn't here. However, the Paladins approached them at a very quick pace and he was completely surrounded.

He forced on a rotten smile.

'Why did they chase me out here...'

Weed frown at Alveron and said.

"What's going on?"

"The cold and monster infested land of Morata. Ever since the fight against the True Blood Vampires, Paladins have been dispatched to police the province."

"So what?"

For some time, Weed had stayed in Morata to combat the True Blood Vampires.

Ice stretched across the desolate land.

At the end the people that were turned to stone were awakened.

"Do you know the history of the North?"

"The north's history?"

"It's a very old story that is now long forgotten. The Kingdom of the Niflheim Empire."

He roughly listened to the story.

'This sounds like its another difficult quest.'

The side effects of high fame!

Even quests that were refused had to be taken.

"You need to cleanse the Valley of Death and recover the treasure of the Niflheim Empire to restore the King's honor."

"Treasure and the King's honor?"

"That's right. We need to leave to the North immediately."

The priests, on Alveron's command, would teleport them immediately.

To think that a situation like this would force him to stop adventuring!

Weed asked pathetically.

"Am I not allowed to bring companions again?"

He needed to take someone with him so he wouldn't die alone in the north. They were recklessly heading to the land of ice after all. There was no way he was going to withstand the cold alone.

"You wish to bring your companions?"

"Yes."

Weed looked back at this party. He looked at them with eyes of reminiscence.

'The suffering needs to be split! Only the suffering of others brings me comfort.'

Pale and Zephyr's shuddered.

'Oh no! Please not me...! I wanted to rest if only a little bit.'

'To be so cruel to your own fellow man!'

On the other hand, Maylon was thrilled and having all sorts of expectations about adventure.

'This is an adventure! I finally leveled up enough to go on a real adventure! And it's Weed's adventure! This adventure is going to shake the entire continent.'

'I'll go anywhere Weed says. No matter how tough it was going to be.'

Whether it was the heat or the cold, Hwaryeong was willing to withstand anything if it was with Weed. However, Alveron just shook his head.

"You won't be able to pick all of them. I think that you'll only be able to bring one person."

"One person."

Weed began to worry about who to bring when Seoyoon walked forward. It was actually Seechwi who firmly pushed her forwards.

"There you go!"

Weed was incredibly scared.

Why is she emitting such killing intent!

He would die if he traveled with her. However, it was hard to openly reject her.

Fear of Seoyoon!

To think about it, Seoyoon was the strongest and the most useful person to bring.

While he was hesitating, Alveron said.

"Well, that determines it. Begin to send us to the north!"

The senior priests triggered the teleport circle formation.

Weed, Seoyoon, the paladins and the priests were covered in a bright light.

* * *

Wah-3!

The angular jawed wyvern roared wildly.

"Kkeueoeuk!"

The Wyvern was mad.

They had to fly around Rhodium when their master went back to the Yuroki Mountains.

Geumini was flying on the back of the Wyverns to the Yuroki Mountains. There was a lot of sunlight so they were getting really hot.

The Wyverns were totally exhausted when they finally arrived at the Yuroki Mountains.

They could smell the fragrant scent of flowers.

Their favorite animals were in the Yuroki Mountains.

Deer and wild boars!

Their favorite food was tasty but not like horse, which they considered a delicacy.

A little inside the Yuroki Mountains, Centaurs would emerge from within.

The lower body of a horse and the upper body of a human.

Since they attacked with bows and spears they were difficult opponents for the Wyverns to raise their levels at.

But then their master left again.

This time to the Northern Continent!

It was much farther away than Rhodium.

"Kkeuruk kkeuruk!"

Wah-1 s.h.i.+vered his neck.

The Wyverns remembered their loyalty to their master.

"Master did give us life."

"We must watch over our weak Sculptor."

"The master is incompetent so we must protect him."

"Let's go protect our weak master."

The Wyverns flew into the sky again.

The distant north.

The Wyverns flew in a straight line to the north despite the fact that they did not like the cold climate.

Geumini was gleaming on top of Wah-1.

"Golgolgol!"

* * *

The Cold Roses Expedition!

The 1650 people that were dreaming of the north were now experiencing all sorts of sufferings.

The first scouting party suffered a large ice storm as soon as they got to Ras Hill.

A natural disaster on the Versailles Continent!

The architects took out their shovels and started digging in the middle of the ice storm. It was not very easy to dig through the ice at all. However it was better to work hard instead of dying. The rest of the expedition used their weapons to dig into the ground. However, some of the expedition just stood around watching the ice storm.

"The storm lifts thick pile of snow off the ground into the air."

"So that explains why pieces of ice and snow are falling from the sky."

"The ice storm is created even though the sky is clear. So this is an ice and snow storm?"

The wind was gradually increasing, so they calmly waited for the ice storm to approach.

"Protect the body from the cold and prevent them from losing body warmth. Frost resistance!"

Wizards used protection magic.

"I did not think the first thing we would face would be an ice storm."

"Since I came all the way to the north, there are bound to be good memories."

"It'll be a wonderful adventure story that I'll be proud and willing to tell others."

Their unknown confidence wasn't based on anything.

Meanwhile artists, craftsmen, and the majority of the warriors from the expedition hid inside the pit.

"Ack, its cold!"

The cold caused their teeth to chatter!

Gaston could feel the northern chill even though he dug a hole. After a few moments, he caught a glimpse of the turmoil on the ground level.

"Well, this storm...doesn't it look a bit dangerous? It's still coming closer and it has tremendous power. The ground is shaking!"

"The wind is rapidly increasing!"

"The temperature is rapidly decreasing."

"Ice shards! Ahhhh! Ice shards are incoming!"

"Halryun! Halryun is dead!"

"Ah! Help me!"

The terrifying ice storm swept across the Northern Expedition's vanguard on the Ras Hill.

The cold wind and the ice stacked on repeatedly.

About 4 hours!

The expedition dug holes and had to wait hours in the cold.

Crackle crackle!

Even though Gaston dug a hole, he suffered a severe cold.

He was barely even alive. Most of the artists and craftsmen were weak and they caught colds so they died.

Most of the expedition did not know about the dangers of the north and that they would face something like this.

"I'm dying, it's so cold."

"The weather is so cold."

After a long time, the ice storm pa.s.sed and ice was thickly piled on top of the hill.

One of by people began to pop up.

"I'm still alive but is it over?"

"It was really cold. I thought that I was going to freeze to death down there."

"We are literally going to freeze in this cold."

Gaston cleaned off his face.

The artists, the craftsmen, and the majority of the users recognized the seriousness of the situation so they dug holes and hid in them.

Now they were extremely cold almost froze to death.

But thanks to Pavo, Gaston was able to survive. They managed to survive because Pavo was a good architect and was able to dig a deep hole.

Pavo shoveled as he moved his frozen lips.

"The group was nearly wiped out."

"I don't want to get a cold ever again. My hands and feet are still not moving properly."

Gaston had very weak stamina and his body was s.h.i.+vering. There were small pieces of ice growing on his beard. After the ice storm pa.s.sed, Ras Hill started to get really busy.

"Check how many people are alive."

"We need a cleric here now!"

"We have serious patients over here!"

There were only 7 clerics sent with the vanguard. Of those, only 2 survived and they hurried to try and treat the others. However, there were very few who survived. Those who had been confident in their strength tried to stand and resist the ice storm. They had been ruthlessly beaten to death by sharp chunks of ice.

Only 130 people thought of digging up holes!

But even in the pits it was hard for the production cla.s.ses to bear the cold from the ice storm.

Ferocious winds propel pieces of ice into the holes.

Unless the hole was very deep they would either die or be on the brink of death.

In this situation, the warriors and the knights had fared much better.

Gaston and Pavo from the production cla.s.ses had nearly died while the majority of the magic professions died.

Eventually at the end of the storm there were only 65 people alive!

"My G.o.d! This is only the start and the damage is already huge."

Kerberos sharpened his eyes.

However, being frustrated had to wait.

"Everyone in the party keep up your strength. We must hold out until the next group arrives."

The vanguard was exhausted.

The situation was not good for the ones that were left.

"We need to hold out for four hours until the next group arrives. Until then, take it easy. a.s.sa.s.sins and rangers should go scout the area."

"Yes sir."

"This is going to be merely reconnaisse, do not provoke any monsters."

Many of the combat series users were either dead or disabled.

They would be unable to fight back if a large number of monsters come on a raid.

Suffering from cold and hunger!

Health and stamina recovery rates were not even half the normal amount.

They had to curl up and suffer until the next group arrives. The scouts from the vanguard cautiously spent their time. All of them were very afraid of monsters appearing. They were fortunate because there weren't any monster attacks as time pa.s.sed. Monsters in the north were known to be very strong and violent, but they also had high intellect.

Thanks to the pa.s.sing ice storm, monster activity was considerably lower so there wouldn't be any attacks. Some time later, the second group arrived and they began to set up camp. Architects set up temporary homes made out of chunks of ice. Since the houses were made out of ice they would expect it to be cold. Surprisingly enough it was warm because they started a campfire.

"Pile on more wood!"

The ones from the vanguard that survived the ice storm wanted to relax in a safe place.

The expedition started off on the Ras Hill. There was going to be a need to come back here as well as repel attacks from monsters. To do this, it would be helpful to set up a base camp so that they could defend it easier.

However work progress was slow!

The elites from the Cold Roses Guild. Others were envious of the high level players but they were unfamiliar with cutting out ice. They would build poorly made houses that would collapsed when touched. To make matters worse, most of them couldn't even properly use a shovel. They could be seen shoveling.

They were only familiar with hunting monsters so they were building houses and shoveling for the very first time.

"Move out of the way!"

Geomchi364 was part of the second group to go to Ras Hill and he was holding a shovel.

"Who are you?"

"I'll show you the proper way of using a shovel. Haah!"

Geomchi364 set the shovel lightly on the ground, then he stepped on it vigorously to transfer his weight onto it.

The way to use a shovel!

Pababarak!

The momentum was fearsome. It was like the shovel was alive and every time it moved shocks would pa.s.s through the ground.

The most optimal and efficient way to use a shovel.

"That is how you use a shovel."

The people in the expedition were forced to nod towards Geomchi364.

It was very easy for Geomchi364 to pile up ice.

They had already done something similar when they were making the pyramid.

Shoveling and bricklaying!

His efficiency was much higher since other people did not have the Construction skill.

Cadmus was working hard to make clothes for the expedition.

"For this kind of weather there needs to be warmer clothing."

Thermal insulation was needed for dealing with cold temperatures.

They seamstress was forced to make clothing for the entire expedition.

Bards began to play instruments and sing.

Cold winds blowing

Ice is falling on the ground

Even then I love adventurous stories

Adventure and romance on Ras Hill.

More than 10 bards were singing.

It was enough to increase health and stamina.

"Seductive Dance!"

Despite the cold weather, the dancers were wearing bold clothing that showed off their navel and they were dancing.

A pa.s.sionate and charming dance.

Their presence increased the expedition's motivation.

The cooks were busy.

"Herbs?"

"We got our hands on a lot of quality materials in Rhodium."

"No need to hold back on the meat. It needs to be eaten in larger quant.i.ties since stamina is going to drop very quickly. Put in plenty of it."

The chefs made a spicy stew to beat the cold.

It was very helpful since it was just what they needed.

Depp was holding a carving knife and glaring at a chunk of ice. When making a sculpture it was a good idea to have the shape in mind.

Pavo walked over, trembling in the cold.

"You called me Depp?"

"Yes sir."

Depp politely greeted him.

He was still young and everyone was older than him.

"So what did you want?"

Depp was one of the sculptors so the expedition was wondering what they was doing looking at a chunk of ice.

He answered to Pavo.

"We are trying to make a sculpture."

""Sculpture?"

"Yea, that's right."

Sculptors were committed to going to harsh environments to make sculptures!

As an architect, Pavo was able to understand.

"Sounds like a lot of work. I'd love to stay and watch but it's too cold here so if you don't mind I'm going to return to the expedition."

"Not at all."

"I'll come as soon as you finish the sculpture."

"Yeah, I'll come get you."

Pavo walked through the snow to return to the expedition.

It was just 30 feet away from the hill but a ghastly wind blew.

Pavo had to endure the tough weather with his low health and stamina.

"Well, let's start."

Depp was very cold, but he could stand it since there was sculpting material everywhere.

'The question is if my sculpting skill is good enough.'

In Rhodium, Depp managed to get a lot of fame!

His sculpting skills, however, were only Beginner Level 8.

'I can't tell if I'm going to fail unless I try.'

He didn't give up and continued moving the sculpting knife.

Crunch!

Most sculptures had a defined shape.

Animals, plants, objects.

Up until now, Depp also made sculptures in the form of shapes. However, this time he was going to make something different.

First, he made a normal eagle. An eagle with sharp and clear eyes.

But he made it going for a dive.

It was going to eat delicious food.

The eagle was in an improbable situation.

Because of its speed, the heat turned into flames!

Flames were pouring out of the eagle's mouth.

At first he only made an eagle, but then he started embellis.h.i.+ng on it.

A sculpture about fire!

The eagle with glazing hot flames!

A sculpture of fire that not even a strong wind could put out.

Depp finished up the sculpture of fire as a high gust of wind blew across the Ras Hill.

However, all he could feel was warmth.

The form of fire in ice.

Ttring!

Fine piece! You have completed The Fire of the Continent.

The bleak northern lands. Monster filled the icelands. A humble artist's work was completed in the freezing cold. Unquenchable pa.s.sion for sculpting. Imaginative use of sculpting solid ice despite rough workmans.h.i.+p. The artists has a certain charm to sculpting. He is relatively unknown so it will be difficult to find his works.

Artistic Value: 340

Options:

Those that see the Fire of the Continent receive 7% increased health and mana regeneration.

15% increased cold resistance.

Resistance to magic increases.

Campfires last longer.

Increases the power of fire related species.

Does not overlap with other sculptures.

The number of fine pieces completed up till now: 1

- Sculpting skills have improved.

- Fame has increased by 320.

- Art has increased by 56.

- Stamina has increased by 4.

Depp was startled when he finished the sculpture.

"I...I did it!"

It was the first fine piece he had made in his entire life.

The sculpture that Depp made was like rain in the middle of a drought for the expedition.

The expedition was shocked when they saw the sculpture.

"You went and created an ice sculpture! It's the first time I've seen a sculpture this awesome."

"Moreover, the cold has been reduced by a lot."

"I think I'm going to be able to live now!"

"My abnormals status is going back to normal."

The extreme cold that was plaguing the expedition was changed.

People did not expect much when the artists and craftsmen joined the expedition.

That together they would make things a little better? They did not believe that the artists and craftsmen had the ability to do so. It was the same for the sculptors. It was very hard and laborious work. They did not have very good attack power and they didn't earn money well.

A lot of artists live their lives in poverty in Rhodium and sculptors were not recognized either.

Sculptures were considered a trifling sight.

"You have talent in sculpting."

"From now on, we need sculptors."

"Wouldn't that be nice?"

Sculptors were a profession that could overcome harsh environments. That was the fantasy that was planted into sculpting now. Artists could show off their skills anywhere.

They were an occupation that could show off the skills from a wide variety of fields.

Finally, Oberon joined the expedition on Ras Hill.

All 1650 users were gathered in the north.

Before, the production cla.s.ses were ignored by the expedition. Now they were actually coming with them to the north. It was thanks to their active partic.i.p.ation in the expedition.

Oberon nodded his head at the way the expedition had changed.

"The way people were chosen is really well done."

Kerberos scratched his face and laughed.

"I had a funny feeling when I accepted them. Hunting now will be a lot easier now since we picked up people for the expedition in Rhodium."

They were usually considered bad cla.s.ses but now they were really impressive.

"We ought to include sculptors on the next expedition."

Oberon had not expected much from the artists.

The expedition finally began to move in earnest.

Oberon dispatched the expedition in all directions.

Ten different teams were sent from the expedition!

A group of adventurers, knights, and clerics among others found a nearby village.

They obtained information and the opportunity to receive quests from the village.

The expedition would be risking their lives against the monsters in the northern continent. However, even if things did go well, they chose not to do it.

They could not imagine what they would do if they ran out of stamina in the cold or starve to death without food.

They wandered through the ice and the snow. Some of the wizards were specialized in ice magic.

"Ice Bolt!"

Due to the weather, their magic was much more powerful that before.

They, however, received strong opposition.

"Stop using ice magic!"

"Are you trying to freeze and kill us?"

They were the knights and warriors that tasted death by freezing.

There were monsters in the north that had a high tolerance to cold and were stronger in combat that they would think.

Ice cave!

A group of adventurers were able to find an ice cave. They were able to enter after breaking the ice that was blocking the entrance.

"There seems to be something in there."

"Let's check it out."

A number of the expedition died because they didn't know that they were heading towards fearsome monsters. The ice monsters were able to maximize their strength in the cold weather against the expedition. Some of them were barely able to conquer dungeons and find a little treasure but it was hardly worth it. After suffering for 10 day, discontent broke out.

"It's been nothing but suffering."

"I've already died twice."

"There's too much snow on the ground and I can barely walk."

No matter where they went, the snow went up to their knees. To make matters worse, the horses that the expedition had prepared had frozen and died. Needless to say, they were tired and reached the end of the rope!

"I'm just going to close my eyes."

"It's too far to walk without knowing the exact location."

People became tired of the tedious and painful expedition one after another.

They were looking forwards to adventure and fighting, but instead they were starving and deliberately avoiding monsters.

They couldn't tell which monsters were strong or weak.

That was because of the lack of information.

They dispatched a group to gather information about the surrounding area but contact with them had broken off.

"I'm better off just going back."

"I'm sick of this."

They were divided and confused!

Each guild began to branch off and do their own activities. Although it was the Cold Roses Guild that led the expedition, they had already lost many because of lack of trust. The expedition was going to rapidly collapse. It was on the verge of collapse because everyone was doing whatever they pleased. Many of the mid-level players that made up the expedition had also failed to come back.