SteamBun

A few hours after being announced, Novus became the centre of the world's social media updates. It claimed to have created the dream of many: "A living, breathing virtual world, with 'real' NPC and a constantly evolving environment. Backed by the power of the most cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence, code-named the Goddess." 

Overnight phenomena worldwide, taking the world by storm. Not only had it come out of nowhere... but it was released a week after the announcement. Gamers, disappointed by the lack of innovation and the profit first quality later mentality of the big game companies, jumped on the occasion.

--

From within the void, someone returned home.

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Release schedule: 3-4 per week.

Cheers,
SimplyBum

The Unknown God

The Duke was the first to break the looming silence. His low voice answered Simply's questions before he had inquired about them.


"This room has been magically sealed off. No information can leave this place nor communicate with outside entities through magic. I hope that everyone in this room understands that what will be disclosed is of the highest level of importance to the Empire as a whole."


Surveying the room, he found no one challenging his words. He continued.


"As you may or may not know, I'm Drayton Astrus, Duke of the Eternal Empire and Head of my House. Unbeknown to most, I'm also the Captain of the Horizon Guard. The Horizon Guard is a special task force within the Order of the Knights of Zakir. Our primary objective is the safety of the Imperial Family. The prince's disappearance has brought us to Novus. Being here, the Emperor has tasked me to help establish a thriving colony. These two are also knights of the Horizon Guard. Now that the Prince resides with that blade, we have decided to observe the situation for now."


Dasch Niltrann continued on with the current situation of the settlement. The goblin outpost that Simply had scouted a few days ago, had once been Ser Alvyn's settlement. Unfortunately, they had been overrun by the goblin horde due to a lack of guards. Now that the army had arrived, defending the outpost was possible. The population's exponential growth these past few days posed a housing problem. The solution, retaking the outpost. However, that was easier said than done. Goblins are notorious at constructing traps of all sorts near their outposts, making the retake practically impossible with a large force.


"The defensive measures are impregnable. The traps reinforce..."


"Give me two good men and some oil, I'll impregnate the bitch. Burning it to the ground, while I'm at it."


A small smile threatened to appear on the old duke's face.


"You remind me of an old friend. Very well, this will serve as proof of your strength. Rest and prepare well. At dawn, you will go march to the fallen outpost and reclaim it. These two will be accompanying you. They will be your witness. They will not take action unless the success of the mission is at risk. Open the gates then head for the commander. Once the gates are opened, Lazna, you will contact Ser Alvyn, who will lead a hundred men in a frontal assault. Hopefully, the goblins are too distracted by the intruders to harass our troops. The moment Ser Alvyn's troops enter the outpost, victory will be secured. Dismissed."


Simply exited the office. Walking down the hallway, he was intercepted by the two knights.


"As father said, unless the mission success is at risk, don't expect any help from us. You will be on your own. If you die, then we will continue on without you. We leave at dawn from the main gate. Don't be late."


Her condescending tone and her proud posture pissed Simply off. She appeared to be an angel in front of her father, yet the moment she left his presence she became a spoilt bitch. Repressed his emotions he left to prepare for the attack, without sparing them a glance. After all, he had received an incredible opportunity.


[Quest received: Prove your worth!] (? rank)


Infiltrate the goblin outpost. The more you contribute to the retake of the fallen outpost, the greater the reward.


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16 The Horizon Guard