The timer for her quest in the cellar of the general store was making her nervous. I'm sure it'll be an easy quest. Simple. All beginner quests are. Look how much I've done already.
3h 31m.
After a few hours of play, and almost ten minutes of waiting for Miller to become available during which Lyndsay had reconfigured her settings. Now her quests were listed to the side of her screen, timers visible, details able to appear at a glance. Her sword was equipped, currently leaning against the side of her chair as she sat, shield on her knees, watching a steady stream of new players, based on the style of their outfit, emerging from Miller's office as she considered where to invest her stat points and develop her skills now that so much seemed to have changed. Often times many new players would appear at once. The door opened and closed sporadically, rarely settling in its frame or fully extending, usually ejecting what she assumed were a mix of new gamers alongside allowing the occasional guard or less indicatively dressed person entry. The new arrivals were unaware of each other, sharing the same space, walking through the bodies of those that came before or after them as they looked around and explored the game and the surroundings. Lyndsay could see them speaking but no words were audible. They seemed equally unaware of her, and her curious attempt to poke one with her sword had resulted in a loud beep and a notification that the player was still in their protection phase as it passed through him without obstruction. Perhaps this was why she had had no interaction with other players until now. Did I need to enter the town to lose the protection? Gain a class? Level up?
3h 29m.
She stood up. Moved again towards the door, holding the sword loosely at her side, stepping back instinctively when another man dressed in similar clothes to her walked out. He turned to the side to let her pass, holding the door for her.
"After you, oh most beautiful lady."
Lyndsay flushed, staring at the boy. Realised her mouth was hanging slightly open. "Thank you." She stepped through the door. Inside, Miller was sat at his desk. A guard stepped towards her from either side. Wait. What?
"Ah, Lyndsay, thank you for waiting. Do come in." The guards returned to their corners. "I had asked that young man to send you in but I see you somehow knew to enter. I do hope you weren't eavesdropping," he tutted with a smile.
"No, I'd never do that sir." Lyndsay rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. "That man ... he could see me?"
"Why yes, of course. Why would he not? Or are you referring to the little issue you rebirthers have of dealing with each other before you reach your tenth level?" He smiled at the look of shock on her face. "Yes, I know what you are. It is one of my more unique abilities, but many of the stronger people you come across will likely possess one similar. It seems most of those who come here are of your kind, which is good for Camorra of course, to have such a number of near immortal soldiers to serve with us."
"It's not that you know I'm a cyclist. Or a reborn. Or whatever. It's that he could see me."
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"Oh, has Sterling been talking to you? Yes there are a few terms for it, depending on where you're from. He and his brother, who runs the farm opposite by the way, were raised somewhere provincial. I'm a bit more urbane myself," he sniffed. "That young man chose to waive his guide much like you did. It seems doing so removes the barriers that exist between the weaker members of your kind."
"I understand, thank you for explaining."
He inclined his head graciously before continuing to speak. "As for why I wished to see you," he gestured with a hand towards one of the guards who stepped forward, "my friend Sloane here has informed me that you've been very busy doing your best to befriend those in power."
"What? No!" Lyndsay stepped forward indignant. "I mean, yes, in a way, but not like that. He, Lord Anguine, was just-"
Miller, smiling, had raised a hand beside his face, palm facing her. "I meant no offence, I also know that you have only been to the town hall and store-"
"You've had me followed?" Anger curled Lyndsay's fingers up towards her palms.
"My role here is to ensure the protection of Beachhead. An unknown stranger eager to enter and refusing a guide is unusual. Rare as that scenario is, I assure you that you are not the only new arrival that I keep tabs on. Our young friend from earlier also has one of my clerks reporting on him. What is even rarer is that such a person should make such a strong impression. Especially on two of the most powerful men in the area, as well as prioritising one of the least influential inhabitants of the town." He spread his hands wide. "But your business is your own. None of what you have done has shown any intent to harm our work here. Indeed Lord Anguine has sent word that he has tasked you to help with one of our more troublesome issues at present. I would have sought you out regardless of that, but knowing it only encourages me that what I believe is correct." He slid a what looked like a metal wallet atop a piece of paper across the table towards her.
QUEST COMPLETE: EXPERT ARRIVAL II
CLEAR RATING: S
Impressed by your compassion and care towards the inhabitants of Beachhead Miller has added to your reward!
REWARDS: EXP: 280 | STERLING: 280 | OTHER: ADVENTURER'S LICENCE, 1x BEACHHEAD PERMIT
That's it? Not much of a challenge or reward but still ... Maybe I already cleared what it should have been somehow? She picked up the items, looking at the paper curiously.
"That permit will allow you free access to the town. You may come and go as you please. Be aware that it can be revoked, should you give reason. As for the license, that will allow you access to various facilities and advantages throughout Camorra and those linked to her back home."
Lyndsay chewed her lip for a second. "Modification?" Perhaps skipping that tutorial really was a bad idea. Although I am getting all this loot.
Miller's forehead furrowed slightly before he sighed. "Take up the stone and break it against your licence. This will open up a few new areas for you within the Adventurer's Alliance. I wish you luck in your journeys Lyndsay, even in your brief time here you have made quite the impact, it seems through just wit and words alone. I look forward to your growing stronger, and may even have a task or two for you myself, should you become powerful enough. Although I shall of course be testing you to be sure." He smiled thinly.
Uhhh. "Thank you Miller, I too look forward to being of greater use and growing stronger. For Camorra."
"For Camorra." Miller nodded approvingly towards her, then turned to look at Sloane, who stepped forward.
"If you would step this way miss." He extended an arm towards the door.
"By the way Miller, that man from before, is it possible for you to tell me his name?"
"I see no reason not to Lyndsay. The young fellow's name was RikETikETavE." Miller's eyes glinted as he smiled towards her. "He expressed quite the interest in poaching, so I suggested he visit the farm to try ... Nicolas' chickens ..." He tailed off as the door swung shut on Lyndsay running towards the farm.