“Just a few more things to do, then we’re done… hello? You still with me?”
‘Huh? The hell am I?’
“Sorry… what were we doing again?”
Located in a small office facing a pink-haired woman, it looks like I'm not in Kansas anymore. There’s no way everything that just happened was a dream, right? That we're seriously doing the whole everything was a dream stereotype already!?
“Daydreaming, are we? I do the same while working, but please, just listen for this final bit. We’re only a few steps away from completing your avatar.”
Still confused with what’s going on, I look to a different monitor where the woman points… oh right! Before logging into Seraphim Online, you had to fill in a load of documents and create an avatar. No idea why I’m reliving this memory and as my avatar as well no less. I looked nothing like this.
---Another big image that needs a box. (Ignore the tabs)
Spoiler
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“Let’s scroll down… I’ll pretend you didn’t search through every breast option… and there we are. All that’s left is to input a suitable backstory since you left that blank.”
“Erm… she looks like she could be a vampire, maybe make a backstory around that? Forget it for a second though, what are those specific race benefits?”
Down on the creation screen, this is one part of the memory I can’t remember.
“Oh, I’m not allowed to say just yet. Getting S.O into an alpha state was tricky enough, so some things had to be put back for a later date. There are some differences between races, just most of it is number-based for now.”
‘Ah, the perks of modern gaming. Why release a game when it’s ready when you can make it in stages? Or abandon it when sales flop because no one wants to play ten per cent of a game.’
“Let’s see here… we could go for a fangirl-type situation. Sera has spent her life searching for the gift that is vampirism, and will scale the ends of the world for it…”
Finishing the sentence, the pink woman fades into a blur and I’m now thrown somewhere else. I’m floating in a… morgue? A place used for storing the freshly dead… I don’t recall this.
“No next of kin or family… we dodged a bullet with this one. Luck coming around with this sort of business is unheard of.”
“They’ve done a good job refurbishing this old place. It’s a bit basic, but considering all those old servers that were gaining dust, it's enough for temporary use.”
“Lucky!? A man died entering Seraphim Online and you’re acting like he’s just a statistic!”
“Mistakes happen, no point dwelling on the past when progress lies ahead. Thankfully, the only people that know have been paid off or are in this room. We’re in the clear for now.”
“This whole place is filled with heartless bastards. I’d have gone to the press if I hadn’t signed that NDA.”
‘Those voices… I remember those two from when I died! Who’s that faceless guy though?’
Four people stand around in the makeshift morgue, presumably over my dead body. Things are still foggy so I’m struggling to make out what’s going on. That pink-haired woman is definitely here though.
“Do we have a better idea of what caused the heart failure? Or are we still stumped on this?”
“Miscalibration. The prototypes have always been finicky to work with and sometimes errors can happen. It matters little, we’ve fixed the issue and it’ll never happen again.”
‘Well, isn’t that great solace? Couldn’t you idiots have prepared better beforehand?’
“So, this cannot happen again? At least that’s better than nothing.”
“You speak as if this is the first time we’ve experienced something drastic, things happen. Remember that girl down in section B? She’s still comatose.”
“She's thankfully still providing good data... albeit I wish things were different. Her signs have always been promising and provide a good insight into the long-term effects. Nothing more needs to be said about her.”
“*Sigh*. Can I please just get back to work now? Sometimes… I feel like the only sane person working here…”
The room suddenly shakes and spirals out of control, as a transparent hand grabs my neck rising from the coffin. I fight against it, but to no avail. It grips my neck tightly; it becomes harder to breathe and I’m forced into the box…
__________
“*Yawn*… huh?”
Waking up from that strange dream back in viva la cave, it just so happens I’ve got a purple-haired beauty cuddled up alongside me. I presume she was cold and this seemed like the best way of conserving heat? That’s totally what this is.
Still though, the morning light gleams through the leaves of the trees while this apparent dragon uses my breasts as a pillow… they are awesome, aren’t they? They may get in the way and cause my back to ache a little, worth the pain.
‘You know, she’s left herself undefended. This gives me an idea…’
A gorgeous beauty curls up to me and doesn’t check if it’s okay. She’s already being this trustful, I think it’ll be fine…
“*Yawn*… morning Sera. Sorry for this, sometimes it’s cold and bitter in human form.”
‘Damn… only wanted to twiddle her hair a bit. What? Do you think I was going to do something degenerate? I’m not an idiot… although my intelligence suggests otherwise.’
“You can stop apologizing, it’s fine. Are we going to get a move on after breakfast? I’ve only got some dried meat left.”
Even though we haven’t exactly spoken much, I think it’s safe to assume we’ll be travelling together. It’s not like I have any idea where society is in this world and she should understand I’m basically a fish out of water being an otherworlder. I might end up falling into this abyss place she spoke about if I’m not careful.
“Okay dokey! I can finally show my dragon form to you as well! I do warn you though... it can be pretty scary…”
__________
“Please remember Sera, I’m still me.”
“You worry too much, dragon, just get on with it.”
“Fineee… here I go. I present to you, the real Lenor-, Lena!”
Once we’ve consumed the rest of the food and the water I’m carrying, Lena gets herself ready by mumbling something under her breath and a cloud of smoke appears. Once the smoke falters, what’s standing ahead of me is a big scary dragon.
Or, that’s how she’s supposed to look. I can only see her as a big purple puppy with wings. That’s what dragons are, won’t let anyone tell me otherwise.
‘Must repress the overwhelming urge to bop the dragon on the nose.’
“Heh, looking good Lena.”
“What!?! You’re not scared of me!? Really?”
“Really. You’re just as cute now as you were a second ago.”
“W-Wait, I’m cute!?”
Turning the purple dragon red, I can’t help but facepalm because that came out of nowhere. Was that technically flirting? I’m not opposed to it, just feels a little wrong considering she’s in animal form right now.
“Anyway… come on then! Get on my back and I can show you the skies!”
“Erm… I think I’m good for now.”
“Come on, Sera! Life isn’t worth living until you’ve felt the wind whoosh through your scales… or hair in this case. It’s amazing!”
‘My biggest weakness… I’m going to have to do this, aren’t I?’
A shiver rattles down my spine as Lena has made a suggestion that scares the shit out of me. You see… I’m terrified of heights.
Not just a small amount of fear, no. The only way I’ve ever been able to fly is by knocking myself out with liquor. I don’t see any bars or distilleries nearby, so this is something I’ll have to do sober.
‘Shouldn’t a dragon have reservations about allowing a human on its back? Or… elf? She doesn’t seem to care at all.’
“Erm… fuck it. Just promise you’ll catch me when I pass out.”
Getting a giggle but not a promise, that gut-clenching feeling isn’t getting any better. Oh well, I’ve always been one for risks.
Taking the time to inspect the aircraft before liftoff, I steady my breathing and get ready for hell. Dragons really could use a saddle and a stirrup. Putting that stupid idea aside, I take the leap of faith and get onto Lena’s back…
“Damn, slow the hell down, L-Lena! The fuck are y-you doing!?”
“Feels good to stretch after so long! Look at all that, Sera! Stop closing your eyes and look at that view!”
It takes but a moment for when I get seated for her to fly directly up and shoot right into the sky. This is exactly what I feared, getting thrown right into the deep end. Taking things slow and flying close to the ground is a perfectly reasonable way of combating fear!
The view is beautiful and that breeze is nice, can’t admire much when I’m physically shaking with fear. I’m a logical person, I know I’ll have to combat this fear if we’re to travel quicker. That doesn’t make this any easier!
“H-Hey Lena… are dragons t-top of the food chain here? We n-not worried about being seen?”
Although I can’t see any human settlements around, the confidence this dragon has makes me think this world cares little for winged beasts. It doesn’t take long to figure out I’m wrong though…
“Crap! How could I be so stupid? I totally forgot dragons aren’t supposed to be seen. We’re going on foot for now, Sera, at least until some clouds fly by or night falls. People will get shit scared if they see me up here!”
“I could p-probably use the l-loo if we’re stopping.”
This has nothing to do with the fact flying is terrifying and that losing control of your bladder is a perfectly reasonable response to being shit scared... duty calls and all that.
I’m also surprised a dragon would care about people being fearful of it, don’t care enough to ask further. Need to go find something to hide behind…
__________
“Lena… it's an odd question, but I need to know. What’s the toilet paper situation in this world like?”
Arriving a short distance away from where we set off, I’m currently squatting inside a small open cave and getting to know how basic female biology works. Bet you didn’t think this would be an intelligent topic for conversation. Just because it’s a fantasy world doesn’t mean a guy, or gal, doesn’t need to go potty.
Despite not actually needing toilet paper, it would be nice to know so I’m not accidently using the wrong sort of leaves when needing to… well, wipe. Those Roman era outhouses with rags on sticks really won’t be pleasant. Anything’s better than accidently picking up some nettles or poison ivy.
“I’m sure humans use things like that, they even had metal tubes when I was around last. Elves use leaves… I think?”
‘Metal tubes… presume she means plumbing? That’s a good sign.’
“It’s a good thing I’m a fake elf then… what do dragons use by chance?”
While I’m in the middle of let’s just say letting the floodgates open, the dragon seems to almost hide away under her arms from my questioning. No, this has nothing to do with bathroom etiquette, it’s the question I just asked that’s caused it. Why on Earth would a dragon get shame in this situation anyway?
“What’s wrong, Lena?”
“Nothing Sera… it’s just that this reminds me of my father. Us dragons are like any other creature when it comes to this business. Cleaning up isn’t as easy being lizards like we are.”
Okay, now I’m really questioning if I want to know this or not. Screw it, Lena seems more embarrassed for his sake than anything else. Toilet humour is always funny.
“What happened?”
“Well… you can see we’re pretty big, right? Now, imagine a fluffy white creature, perfectly sized and soft to touch.”
…
“No way… your father used a sheep!?”
“A goat to be precise… and it wasn’t just the once. If you ever hear tales about the lost herd of wandering walnut goats, then you’ll know who did it. It took a long scolding from my mother to stop that habit.”
“Damn, guess the goats around here have seen some shit… heh.”
Both uncomfortably chuckling to ourselves and finishing off my business, I can only imagine the look on the poor guy’s face as a dragon changes his entire outlook on the world.
Spoiler
"Baaa..."
(I hate myself for this.)
[collapse]
Now that I’m finished, it’s time to leave…
But wait. In our distracted toilet humour state, we’ve been approached by some different fluffy looking creatures.
‘Always liked doggos…’
“*Growl*!"
“*Snap*!”
‘Shit! These aren’t normal pups!’
Ahead of us is six snarling and snapping beasts, these huge wolves look ready to rip us apart. Just the imposing size of these wolves is enough to make me nervous. And yet, this dragon next to me remains as cool as a cucumber.
“Lena… I'm not sure if I can handle this.”
Slowly backing away from the imposing beasts, I’m not getting ahead of myself just because I killed a few slimes. This world is in hardcore mode, those teeth will hurt like a bitch.
“Don’t worry Sera, I’ve got this! Begone stupid puppies! I’ll chew you to pieces and shit you out if you don’t!”
…
None of the wolves fear Lena’s “threat” and only get closer to us by the second, making me back away even further.
“Sera, stay behind me and only take on the stragglers. It’ll be easier that way.”
“Gotcha. If possible, can you try leaving some aliv-”
Not listening, the dragon lets off a small grin and pounces right into the path of the pack. Not giving a care in the world if she gets bitten, her jaw clamps onto one, while her tail crashes into another. I was hoping I could get the EXP from this, survival comes first.
No longer backing off because this small cave comes to an end, I stand strong while one of the beasts senses I’m weak. This is it, do or die, kill or be killed.
‘Just a little longer… now!’
A wolf pounces at me, the cave I’ve backed into blocks my movement so there’s only thing I can do. Stab!
[Dexterity improvement +1] Tensing up and mustering all the strength I have; the creature impales itself onto my rusty blade and its teeth miss my ear by an inch. Blood spatters onto my boots and my blade is lost, now stuck inside the heavy wolf. That’s a huge problem considering what's next...
Another beast appears behind the corpse of the other and goes straight for me, I don’t even have the time to get a dagger out!
“Where do you think you’re going!?”
Right in the nick of time, a bloodied Lena jolts at the wolf holding another inside her mouth. A second later, the one attacking me would’ve gotten my arm.
‘Phew. At least the road can only be up from here.’
The wolf Lena just crushed is still barely clinging to life, so I return to the other to get my sword back. It takes all my effort to rip the blade from the corpse. The mercy killing of the injured wolf takes no effort though.
[Dexterity improvement +1] Now that this encounter appears to be over, I look up to see what Lena is doing and find her chomping down and partially following through with her threat. She’s ripping those pups to pieces, but not swallowing a single bite. The fact she handles five wolves so effortlessly shows the power gap between us. Imagine if I had tried to stab her in the back, would’ve been the worst decision of my life.
‘Eh, at least she’s enjoying herself. Looks a bit gnarly, but in a cool kind of way.’
[Sera should be informed that reaching DEX 10 has unlocked 2 abilities available for purchase.]
[ABILITIES][OWNED][LOCKED][Name] [Description] [Requirements][Cooldown][Double Slash]
Spoiler
Allows the use of one-handed weapons to strike an enemy twice, in turn causing double damage on that strike. This unfortunately can be wasted if the opponent blocks your advance.
[collapse]
[Dexterity: 10][6h][Land Down Under]
Spoiler
Sneaking is easier on your back and you move when in touching distance to the ground at a vastly superior rate. Bog standard technique for hunting down those pesky roos!
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[Dexterity: 10][N/A]‘The illusion of choice… an actual ability, or an Australian perk. This isn’t a one-time thing, right Guide? I can go and buy the other if I want?’
I’m referring to those stories that have that either or option, like every level up gives you the choice of three abilities. I’m a jack-of-all-trades player so unless I’m forced to pick a build, I’ll use whatever I think is suitable. It doesn’t matter if I end up being a vampire that wields fire for example… that would be pretty cool.
[Affirmative. All abilities are available to purchase at any time if you have the points. Sera is currently level 2 so 1 point can be spent or saved for a later date.]
‘Then double slash it is. May go Aussie another day, but I’d rather avoid the evil drop bears that come with the trade.’
If you know, you know. Those bears are evil, even killing wary travellers from time to time. The outback’s most deadly predator…
[Sera should also note passive buffs have been obtained. Viewed in the status page.]
[STATUS][Name: Sera][Species: Elf][Level: 2][EXP: 19/30][Age: 22][Gender: Female][Skill Points: 0][Health][100/100][Stamina][86/110][Magic][100/100] [STATS]
Spoiler
Extra bonuses from P.I.S.S.E.D.
DEX:
5% One-Handed Damage
1% Movement Speed
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[Perception: 5][Intelligence: 6][Speechcraft: 6][Strength: 5][Endurance: 6][Dexterity: 10]‘Huh. I do get more for levelling than just a tiny boost, right?’
[Correct Sera. These are just bonuses that can be physically seen.]
Because of this, I think back on that table which showed how to level every stat. I guess it’s nice to have something extra and visible. An extra class or job system would’ve been nice, can’t have everything I guess.
Now returning to these deadly predators we just destroyed, Lena still is focused on crunching down the hounds. I feel like she’s being a little wasteful.
“Lena, think we can save one or two? How does wolf taste anyway?”
Looking at me smiling with a wolf leg stuck inside her jaw, she is an odd creature, isn’t she? I always imagined dragons being strange and my expectations haven’t been ruined… the band are okay but I like her company at least. There’s nothing worse than someone boring, she’s far from that. Might be nice to brush some of that blood away.
“It's terrible, Sera, wolf tastes like gamey crap! No need to be scrounging around for food, there should be a town nearby… or there was fifty years ago. Trust me, you’d rather starve than eat wolf!”
‘I’ll trust the dragon, I suppose. Let’s just hope that village is there or we starve...’