Somnium Online

Tensions Arise

Eric needed a break from the shop, so he went to check the guildhall for news. When he arrived he saw a group of angry townspeople. They were standing on the steps of the guildhall waving signs and chanting.

They weren't violent, but Eric was glad he had his sword and adventuring gear with him. Especially his coat and ring.

Eric couldn't discern any particular message but the meaning was clear.

Go away, players.

Eric entered the hall, it was mostly empty of familiar faces, and filled with adventurers in the starting uniform for players.

They were gathered in groups of five or six, and they were so rude it hurt.

Sylvia was busy trying to explain why low-level players couldn't do S rank missions.

Eric needed to talk to her, but it didn't look like she would finish anytime soon. Then Eric had a bright idea. He approached the desk and stood in line behind the players.

"I understand that you want to take on this quest, but it's very dangerous, and the regulations prohibit me from allowing you to take it on." Sylvia was trying to remain cheerful, but she was clearly losing patience.

"Don't worry NPC, I can't die, and I'm super strong so there's nothing to worry about." One of the adventurers boasted.

His buddies laughed and clapped him on the back. Eric was also losing patience. The adventurer with ego issues suddenly felt a vice-like grip on his shoulder.

"Move." A stranger in a fancy dark coat growled.

The man was intimidating, but He wasn't called Crazy Gary for nothing.

"Who the hell are you?" He spat.

The stranger laughed. "You can just call me Eric. Now, if you aren't going to take a quest I'd like you to step aside so other adventurers like myself can get paid."

The man and his comrades stepped aside, laughing.

"Look at this noob." One whispered. "I bet this is his first quest." Another hissed.

"Where did he get that coat?" A third wondered. Eric deduced that he was the most intelligent and least valued.

Eric approached the desk and smiled. "Hello Sylvia, how are you."

Sylvia sighed with relief. "Oh, Eric! Are you here for another quest?"

Eric smiled and winked. "Yes, I was actually interested in the new S class mission you mentioned."

The players behind him busted out laughing.

Sylvia grinned wickedly. "You know I would love to assign it to you, but Even for an S class adventurer this one is a little easy for both you and Anne to handle together don't you think?" She asked. Making sure to speak loudly so that all nearby players could hear her.

Eric rubbed his chin pretending to be deep in thought. "Here's an idea!" He exclaimed. "Why don't we let these adventurers team up and fight me. If they win they can do the mission. If they lose they'll go back to quests appropriate level." Eric said.

Sylvia put on a huge fake smile. "What do you say, gentlemen?" She asked kindly.

The adventurers all high fived and smirked. Gary stepped forwards. "We accept your challenge." He declared.

Sylvia stood. "Follow me to a sparring room then."

They followed her into the maze of back rooms in the guildhall until she opened a door into a large square room approximately the size of a football field.