Requiem Online: Synergy

Chapter Three: Altania

The caravan made their way across the Altanian Borders without any issues from the border control. After the inventory was checked and approved by the border control, the caravan continued onward.

The thick forest landscape that housed the Anna region was far behind them, now they moved into the grasslands as they drew closer to the Altania region. The two regions were separated by a border that stretched 5 miles long.

Once they got through the Altania side of the border, they made their way towards the second and final checkpoint. On their way, the caravan was stopped by a band of local thieves.

"We are the Red Hawk Guild. We command you to hand over your goods and skoles, or else someone will get hurt." The leader spoke.

"That someone is you. Leave here and you and your merry band of thieves will remain unharmed." Johnathan announced as he gripped his sword.

"Who are you to be making such threats, little boy? I am Samael, the leader of the Red Hawk Guild. We are a feared group around these parts."

"I am Johnathan King. I was hired to protect this caravan. I've never heard about your group until today."

"Johnathan King? I've never heard of you either."

"Perhaps you know me by a different name." Johnathan said as he pulled out his sword. "The Demon of Mellion."

"You're the Demon? You're the man that is known for killing a whole pack of Nightmares single-handedly? You're sword techniques are known throughout all of Altania. Then again, they're all just stories. A story I want to prove false, right here and now!" Samael spoke as he drew his battle ax.

"You want a duel? Fine. I set the rules. First to 1 HP loses. We each start at 2000 HP. No weapon restrictions, no skill restrictions, and no health items allowed. Do you agree to these terms? If so, accept my challenge."

Johnathan's duel request appeared in front of Samael, who accepted. As the two prepared to duel, Johnathan activated his ability.

Flames shrouded Johnathan's hands and blade. This was a bluff tactic for Johnathan as he never used this ability in combat before.

"A Draconian ability? Interesting. It seems the rumors are true."

Johnathan held his sword out to challenge Samael, who responded by holding his ax out as well.

Samael charged Johnathan. When he was in range, he swung his ax with all his might. Johnathan's superior agility allowed him to dodge by the narrowest of margins. Samael kept swinging his ax, but Johnathan kept dodging.

"Stay still you little rat!" Samael screamed as all his attacks missed.

After a few more swings, Samael grew tired. Seeing his chance, Johnathan attacked. He charged his Flames to the point where they were blue in color. He swung his sword and made contact with the exhausted Samael.

Not only did Johnathan's attack drain Samael's health, but the added attack bonus from the Flames finished off the rest of Samael's health bar.

"You beat him? In one hit? Amazing." Sarah spoke with awe.

"That was the first time I used that move in actual combat, I didn't think it would work the way it did."Johnathan said. "You lost Samael, it's time for you and your Guild to leave."

"Fine, but one question. Why to 1 point, why not to Zero?"

"I don't want to kill another player. When someone dies in here, they die in the real world. I don't want that blood on my hands. Truth is, you were my first duel. I had a goal to never cross swords with another player, but it came to that point today."

"Who knew that the Demon of Mellion harbored such as soft heart for people? In thanks of sparing my life, take this." Samael said, as he handed Johnathon a silver disc. "That's a Port Disc. You can use it to fast travel to any place you have previously been to. It has unlimited uses, but be careful not to lose it.  Once a player registers a Port Disc then that's the only one that may use. That one belonged to a member that was lost to a dragon on Olla. Use it well and farewell Demon." Samael said as he and his gang retreated.

"A Port Disc? This will come in handy in the future. As of now, we should continue forward." Johnathan thought to himself.

After the fight, the caravan took a few minutes to get ready. Once ready, they continued on. They still had almost a full day's walk ahead of them. As they continued, Johnathan kept a reluctant grip on his blade, ready to draw it just in case.