17

Name: Vindictus

Race: Human

Class: Ranger

Sub-class: Archer

Level: 10 EXP: 4500/4500

EXP Pot: 12200

Health: 229/229

Mana: 195/195

Strength 25

Vitality 23

Agility 26 [Bracers +1]

Dexterity 18 [Bracers +1]

Intelligence 17

Speed 24 [Boots +1]

Luck 30 [Ring +5]

Charisma 15

Points available: 2

Skill Points: 6

[Boost Summon – Level 2]

[Harvester Skill – Level 3]

[Alchemy – Level 1]

[Smithing – Level 3]

[Leatherworking – Level 6]

[Eagle Eye – Level 1]

[Power Shot – Level 3]

Vindictus walked out of city hall and headed to the east so that he could meet up with ranger that needed his assistance in getting rid of a bear. As he got closer to the edge of town, he saw that three people were following him. In fact, it was that same three people that were watching him in the general store. Looks like he was going to have his first PK shortly, that is unless he could talk some sense into the players.

Since he knew that area pretty well, he did not go in a straight line but headed straight for the woods just to the south of the road off the trail. If they were after him, he was going to make them work for it. He found a spot in the woods that would let him protect himself in three directions, well enough for him to add a few quick traps to block the area behind him. He was worried they had a fourth member that would try to sneak up behind him. He was quick and efficient and by the time the three of them came out of the woods he was standing there with an arrow already on his bow.

The three men were surprised when the ranger was standing there waiting on them. They thought there had been enough space that he would not realize that he was being followed. "Can I assist you guys with some directions?"

The elf that was in the back quickly faded from sight using a skill and Vindictus knew that he was the rogue and figured he would be coming from behind him on the right when he attacked.

"No, we know where we are. But you could help us out with some of your gold."

"Well, the real-world banking will be opening soon and once we figure out the exchange rate, I would be happy to sell you a few."

"I don't think you understand."

Vindictus laughed. "I understand, I am trying to give you guy the chance to walk away without losing most of a level and an item. You see when you attack someone in this game even if you don't hit them, you and everyone in your party will become a red player. And in case you have not heard red players in Earth: Reboot you will lose 50% of the experience that it would take to level up. So, if you need two thousand you will lose a thousand and if you do not have that much in your current level it will take you back a level. And once you are a red player you will drop an item when you die no matter what. So, I am giving the three of you a chance to walk away with all of your experience and items."

About that time the rogue that was hidden behind Vindictus messaged the leader of the group. "Boss are you sure about this?"

"He is full of it. No way the penalties will be that harsh. And so, what there are three of us. If you are in position then take him."

Vindictus heard the thief dart forward and then the huff of surprise as they hit the tripwire and fell face first on the ground. [Player Take What I Want and party has attacked you. You can take action for the next hour without retribution from the system.]

As soon as he got that messaged, he smiled and drew his bow back to full draw and put an arrow into the ear of the elf on the ground at his feet. [Catastrophic Shot, Instant Death.] The elf on the ground instantly turned into little balls of light and disappeared. Without any hesitation Vindictus activated Power Shot and started sending arrows at the two players in front of him. The dragonkin guardian used his taunt skill and Vindictus almost laughed out loud. "Idiot I am a player and not an NPC that shit won't work on me." He sent two fire arrows at the guardian who was so thrown off by his skill not working and did not get his shield back up in time. Both arrows hit the players in the face and instantly started turning into light as even he did not have enough health to take two critical shots from Vindictus' powerful bow.

The beastman quickly realized that he was in over his head and did not close the distance. He was a blade-master and this was the only chance that he had. "Now, let's not do anything we might regret later. I am a vice-guild leader of Wolf Moon guild so you should think about it before you attack me." The beastman said attack but he could not bring himself to admit that this ranger could easily kill him.

"I do not care who you are or what guild you are in. You wanted to rob and kill me and now you want to act like it is no big deal. I told you what happened when you died but you did not care. So, don't blame me for this, this is your fault." With the last couple of seconds of his Power Shot he sent a few arrows at the man. It easily ripped through his armor and bottomed out the beastman's health bar.

"You just made a huge mistake, from now on every member of my guild will be after you."

"Then you will need to pay them for every time they die since this is your fault. And every time I kill one of them, I will make sure to tell them the reason that they died is you picked a fight you could not finish." Vindictus put his bow up and pulled out the long sword. With one quick slice the man's head separated from his body.

Vindictus put his sword up and then picked up the three items that the players dropped. He was surprised that all three items were of common quality. It was not great but a lot of players were still playing with the trash items that got at character creation. What was even more surprising was that the common dagger was player made. "This is pretty good quality. I would like to meet the player that made it."

Vindictus was surprised to see a message come through. "This is Take What I Want. Is there any way that I could buy the dagger that dropped back from you? I would not ask but my son who is playing made it for me. He is a lifestyle player and this is important to me."

"You and you alone come back to where we fought and I will give it you. My only condition is that I would like to meet the player that made this. And it is not for anything nefarious I would like to work with him."

"Let me ask him. I do not want to force him to meet you if he would not want to."

"That is fine with me and even if he is not willing you can come and get the dagger. You can owe me a favor later."

Vindictus gather up the stuff he used to make the trap and waited for the elf. It did not take him that long since it was not far from the village. The elf came walking into the clearing with his hands out to his side. Without any hesitation Vindictus tossed the dagger at the elf's feet.

"Just like that?"

"Please do not mistake this for me being a nice guy. But I guess something hit when you said that your kid made it."

The elf picked it up and put it away. "Why do you want to meet him?"

"Well, if I remember correctly Wolf Moon is not a guild that usually supports lifestyle players. And here shortly I am planning on starting a guild and lifestyle players will have a huge part of my guild. In fact, I have several formula's for forging already. I was thinking about offering him a position in my guild. If he is already making common level equipment right now, he will be an amazing addition to any guild that he joins. I am not only planning a guild but also a workshop and here soon I will be offering paid positions."

"You are serious about this offer? Wait, let me explain more about my son before you go any further. What you need to know is that my son is autistic. He barely talks to anyone and the only thing that he enjoys doing is forging. Not only in the game world but also the real world. I built him his own forge. So not only am I playing the game but also my wife. She keeps him calm and keeps people from bothering him."

"That does not bother me at all. I am more than willing to hire both of them once I get my workshop up and running. And whatever your wife needs to help him out I am willing to get. Please don't take this the wrong way but a lot of people who have the same condition as your son also have what is called savant syndrome and are experts at certain things. I will throw all kinds of resources at him."

"So, it does not bother you?"

"Absolutely not. Tell you what after the update in a couple of days you can talk it over with your wife and son and send me a message. If you guys are interested, we can meet up then."

"Would you be willing to take all three of us?"

"Yes, but you will be a lower salary until I get a full scope of your skills."

"I am fine with that."

"Actually, what is on your schedule tomorrow?"

"Well once I tell my old group I am leaving probably running for my life. But other than that, nothing."

"If you get into trouble, send me a message and I will come and help if I can. Also, if you have any real friends in the group, you can invite them along. I will not guarantee them a high salary until I see what they can do and there will be plenty of room to grow and develop even for casual players. I would like to test you out on the Dean Family Crypt."

"Send me a message and I will meet you there. I do have one good friend in the guild but I am not sure what he will do."

"Then go and have fun and I will message you when I am ready. I have a solo mission that I have to finish up."

The elf pulled out the dagger and held it up. "Thank you again." With that he turned and headed back towards the village.

Vindictus made sure he was walking away and headed into the woods towards the ranger and his mission.