Stop the Rat King Part 1: Epic Quest. A second source, the somewhat shady Mayor Hesperine, has asked that you and your allies investigate the mines. Clear out the infestation of ratkin to complete this quest and resolve any other conflicts you encounter while there. Status: Incomplete. Rewards: Knowledge about The Rat King’s forces, 3000 XP.
We left a few gold coins on the table, enough for a dozen meals, and headed back up toward Garren’s farm. A few of the townsfolk noticed us on our way, and we received a few more waves. Still, our departure was as subtle as it could have been.
When we got there, Garren met us outside of his house and greeted us.
Alysand approached the man. “Garren, I know we just got here, but I believe we will be leaving this night. We will head to the iron mine, but don’t want anyone to know about it. Darkness should help. Heading out through town, regardless of the hour, will give us away, though. Do you know another way?”
“Take the trail behind my house,” Garren said. “It heads away from the cave you all got to know so well and veers up into the hills towards the mines. The passes are dangerous though, especially at night. Still,”—he glanced up at the sky—“it does seem likely to be a clear night and the moon is close to full. With this one here, I’m sure you’ll be alright.” Garren finished pointing to me, and I couldn’t help but run a hand through my hair, my fingers grazing my elongated ears.
“It is decided, then,” Alysand said. “Are you two prepared? I only have a nap to catch and a few children to chase before I’m ready.” He declared this even as he rubbed at the fatigue in his eyes.
“I’m good. With this new weapon, I could take on anything right now,” Madi said as she patted the head of her axe.
They looked at me and I nodded. “I am ready as well. Tumsley was nice enough to buy me new arrows.”
“I’m aware of the odd behavior of travelers,” Alysand said cheerfully. “I am of this world, though, so while you are away, I’ll be on the furs near the fire. If you’ll excuse me, then!” Alysand walked away with Garren to the house.
“I should, too,” Madi said. “Log out, that is. I’ll post my stuff and I promise I’ll get us both rich. See you in… four or five hours?”
“Yeah, I’ll message you if it’s going to take any longer. My friend Shin has been a bit off lately, and I want to track him down and make sure he’s okay.”
We said goodbye with an awkward fist bump, and after telling Pachi when I would return, I logged off.
I opened my eyes and began to stretch out my limbs. Thankfully, the immersion sickness had begun to fade, and I woke now with only a bit of soreness. Still, I ordered Gita to get me the gamer tonic, as Elendil had said it continued to help users “adapt and excel” at gaming. I couldn’t argue with the AI.
Speaking of my favorite non-corporeal friend, I said hello and asked the question that had been on my mind for over a day now. “Elendil… are you good with the Interworld Exchange? I need to sell some items.”
“Of course, Hana! I would love to assist you. It is more than frustrating when I am told to mind my own business. Truly, there is no entity more suited to help you than I. The entire market is available to me, and I know all the current trends as well as the many items you wish to sell. Do you want to sell all of the items, or save some for crafting?”
I stood up and wiggled my toes on the ground before crossing over to my desk. “I want to sell it all. I need as much as possible, so I don’t mind waiting a bit if it helps.”
“Well, you are in luck, Hana. Currently, there are no other items like it in your realm, so they should fetch a high price. I will set them to Auction instead of Buy Now and get the highest likely price point. Would you like me to take the following items from your inventory: Legendary Bear Meat (20 units), Bone Plates (15 units), Marduk’s Claws (7 units), Swath of Marduk Pelt (4 units), God Bones (50 units), God Bear Ribs (12 units)? Please say confirm, and I will place them in the Interworld Exchange auction house.”
A feeling of hope and anxiety filled my belly. I knew that Elendil had a much better chance at making a profit than I could, so that part was easy. But what if it wasn’t enough? The image of the woman from the AllHands Inc. email video entered my mind. Sophia, an obviously scripted puppet, had said it all. “Why wait until the deadline? Join the happy ranks of indent workers here at AllHands Inc. They’ll help you take a bite out of your debt problem.”
“Yes,” I said. “I mean, confirm. Do your best, Elendil. I need to go train.”
I couldn’t help but think of my father as I made my way to the exercise rooms. The debt I’d so luckily inherited did not come itemized. What had he done to rake up so much debt anyhow? And what would he think or feel knowing that I was now stuck trying to pay it back for him? I dismissed the vortex of questions before they began to tug me down under the surface of uncertainties. There was little I could do but try my best. That approach, at least, I knew my father would approve of.
There was no sign of Shin as I made my way to the training rooms. I had hoped to see him in the dining area or playing some game with a buddy. His absence was tangible.
When the door closed behind me, I set the
