Secrets of Starlia (LitRPG)

Chapter 13

Olivia casts agility again, and from there we're running over to the nearest town. It comes to view between the thickets of forest. Amethyst—carved into a wooden sign at the entrance. A wall of vines guard the town from predators, and tiny houses are built into the trunks of large redwood trees. For the biggest trees, ladders lead up to huts which seem to be suspended in the sky. The scent of fresh lilies washes over me. The tufts of grass bend soft beneath my feet.

It's less crowded than Star Town, but still busy for a secluded spot in the forest. I spot a large cabin at one of the far ends. Next to it, a community library and a portal sit side by side.

"Go through the portal," Olivia says. "One of the options is for you to go back to Maria's church."

I gulp. "Any hint of the challenge I'll have to face?"

Olivia cocks her head to one side. "It shouldn't be too difficult. Just remember that you managed to land a hit on me in a duel. That should give you enough confidence to succeed."

I nod. Somehow, her words are neither prideful or brash. Just matter-of-fact. "Thanks for helping me train to level twenty."

She turns back to the direction where we came. "Don't mention it. Good luck on your job advancement."

And then I'm alone. After a minute or two of deep breathing, I head in the direction of the portal. Cold and hot sensations run across my skin as I enter, holding my breath. Two options float in front of me in bold text. Guild house. Maria James.

I click my instructor's name. The shimmering of the portal fades away. I open my eyes to the expanse of Maria's church. She's standing in the same place when I first entered this world. She regards me with a gaze I can only describe as indifferent. Like before, there's an air of power surrounding her. No doubt she's a powerful bard—the most powerful in the game, despite being an NPC.

"Welcome back," she says.

I take a few steps forward, leaving the portal behind me. "I came for my job advancement. You told me to come back once I reached level twenty."

"And that you did," Maria says. "Well, I suppose I'm supposed to test you."

"I'm ready," I say. "Whatever it might entail."

She smiles, stepping forward. Sunlight illuminates her skin, streaming in from the high windows. "The other instructors have boring tests. They normally have their students hunt down some imposing monster. My test is much different."

A thousand different scenarios run through my head. They all end with my imminent death. "Okay."

Maria lifts up the hem of her choir dress. She takes a seat in the front pew. She crosses her right leg over her left. I get a view of her curly dark hair. "Stand on the platform and perform any song of your choice. If you're good enough, I'll let you advance. If not, you have to try again tomorrow."

"Perform?" A nervous sweat breaks out on the nape of my neck. "I'm a horrible singer."

"Performing isn't only about the quality of your voice," Maria says. "It's about putting your all into your art. Anyone can do it with the right mindset."

Not knowing what I'm getting myself into, I pass Maria and ascend the stage. I look out into the expanse of the church, the wooden pews, the high walls, and the ceiling with a clear dome looking out into the turquoise sky. A horrible amount of stage fright descends on me.

Maria gives me a curt nod, staring at me like I'm about to surprise her. Here goes nothing.

I launch into a pop song that Aileen and I were obsessed with last year. It's about finding new love in a world that's dark and scary. It's by none other than superstar Orianna Jewel, and I know I'm not doing her any justice. My voice starts out flat, and my notes waver and my voice cracks as I ascend the first chorus. Maria squints, like trying to find something redeemable in the mess I've started.

By the time I reach the second verse, my mouth almost completely dries out. I try to incorporate some dance moves into my performance, but I almost end up tripping and falling off the platform.

I imagine Nathan in the audience, his kind face and the encouraging glint in his eyes. Then I imagine Cody, how he'd probably mock me if he saw me like this.

Somehow, those combined images give me enough motivation to put my all in this challenge. I raise my voice to a higher volume. Knowing that my voice is irredeemable, I focus on providing strong movements in my dance, gyrating my hips and popping my chest to the imaginary beat. There may not be instruments accompanying me, but I still want to give the most unforgettable performance Maria has ever seen.

By the time I'm finished, I'm sweating from head to toe. Who knew performing would feel more difficult than slaying a bunch of hogs?

Maria's silent at first. She stares at me without any hint of what she's thinking. Then, she breaks out into a wide smile. She stands, clapping loudly. I feel like I've defeated the most fearsome dragon.

"Your voice isn't the greatest," Maria says. "But you've redeemed yourself with an invigorating display of movement. You've proven to me that you're taking your role as a bard very seriously. You're ready for your job advancement."

Without even a pause for breath, Maria leaps onto the platform and places a hand against my forehead. I'm overcome with a warmth that encapsulates my whole body, making me feel like I'm surrounded by sunshine and clouds. By the time my instructor steps away, I feel like a brand new person. Enthusiasm rushes through my veins. I feel lighter and alive.

"Come outside," she says.

We exit into the backyard of the church again. A single slime sits in the center of the yard, unmoving. I admire the rolling hills, the way the sunshine hits the grass and makes the most vivid shades of green.

"I'll be teaching you three new skills," says Maria. "The first is called serenade." She sings, her voice coming out in the same ease that a dove soars. The slime rears back. I'm sure if it had hands, it would be covering its ears. "This is an area of attack skill that is a bit stronger than play."

"The second skill is called uproar." Maria sings a dissonant note, one that brings out panic from my soul. The slime begins to buzz, its gelatinous body shaking in fear. "This skill paralyzes an enemy. It's stronger than sing and should work on hardier enemies."

"And the final skill is called strings." A harp materializes in Maria's hands, golden and brilliant. Turning her harp sideways, she brings it down with a smack against the invincible slime. The strings damage the slime with ten notes going on at once. "This is good against single enemies."

I gulp, swallowing all the information. "I have a question...."

Maria turns to me. Her harp disappears from her hands, glowing and then disintegrating into the atmosphere. "What is it?"

"Well, I'm going to battle the hog king by myself in less than a week." Saying it aloud, I become even more intimidated by what I have to do. "Do you have any tips for me?"

Maria James lifts an eyebrow, probably the most surprised she would ever look. She purses her lips. Then she finishes with a hint of a smile. "First thing's first. Buy a new harp." 

A job advancement tests all of your skills and can be very nerve-wracking! Have you ever had a test that you were so nervous for?

I remember when I took my final for my Korean class, I was just like Josiah. 

I'm excited to hear whatever you have to share!