Non Player Character

Chapter 23 - Lightning in a Bottle

Danver was a marvel of a city. Dusty, daunting, crude, busy, and full of commerce and life. It wasn't the biggest city I had ever seen, not by a long shot. I'd visited New York, Chicago, San Diego, and those real cities made Danver look like a tiny little village in comparison.

However, those cities no longer existed in this fantasy world. And to my other half, Milton Musgrave, this would have been the biggest city he'd ever seen.

I did get ten experience points for discovering Danver, instead of five, so that was a plus.

There were people everywhere, including a fair amount of Kurskins, whom I avoided. After being alone for the most part since I 'met' Val, being so close to so many people made me feel claustrophobic. I could handle it, but I didn't like it. I was a bit of a loner back on earth. Sure, I had friends, but I would pick a night alone with my wife over any party. The only parties I went to were the ones she dragged me to. Don't get me wrong, I had fun. I liked people, but I just preferred the quiet life.

I'd have to leave that part of myself behind to achieve my goals. I won't just need to be powerful; I would need allies. I needed to become influential to make a real difference in this game. It was a shame I couldn't just add points to my charisma, so people liked me and naturally wanted to follow. I'd have actually to put in the work.

But before I could gain any influence and delve into that part of the game, I needed more experience.

'So, Val, whatcha got for me?' I thought as I walked along the busy cobblestone road.

"There are many options available. I am trying to determine which one would best suit your skills."

'If you don't pick one soon, I'm just going to start talking to people.'

"Fine. Turn left at the next intersection."

I smiled and continued my journey. The people here had a rustic flair. Many wore cotton or silk, but most preferred leathers, hides, and furs.

The building style reminded me of a Bavarian mountain town. The larger buildings were three stories tall, with tiered peaks, large overhangs, and multiple balconies.

These buildings all appeared to be for commercial use. One of the signs above a door near me read, 'Cobble and Hose,' and another store was called 'Francesca's Flight of Fancy.' I was kind of curious about Francesca's. The curtains were drawn behind the window, so I couldn't peer in to see what the heck was so fancy.

I took a left at the next intersection and immediately noticed a deviation from the large, tidy buildings and bustling commerce.

This road was made of packed dirt, not cobblestone, and the houses verged on derelict. Some people sat on their steps, watching the day go by, while others mended to their homes. Clearly, this was a residential district and a rather poor one at that.

'I turned left, now what?'

"Knock on the door of the sixth house on your left," Val said. "Tell them you heard their plea yesterday in the town square and are here to help."

'But I wasn't in the town square yesterday.'

"He won't know that. He's just an NPC. I should add that this is an organic quest, but I think you can handle it. Unfortunately, the premade quests here have either already been initiated by other Players or are too difficult for you to achieve at your current level. We'll have to play it carefully with the organic quests for now."

I counted doors and quickly reached number six. The house was not unlike the others, but it was in a better state of repair, which said something of the occupant.