Avilien: Tutorial islands

Split decision

Players from all corners of Lunthoria joined the bustling crowds in the plaza square as even the citizens of Avilien had stopped to witness this duel and had cleared a large enough section of the area.

"Come now! Don't be scared! Try your luck," continued Split with a rallying cry.

In a low growl, Luke kept his gaze on Split. Teeth grinding he made a fist as swarms of civilians and players pushed him aside as if he wasn't there.

"Do not dare! Do not do it, master! Does he look like the type of player to buy me potatoes?" Nebs grabbed hold of Luke's ear and screamed into it while Quinn started to weep at the loss of Luke. Both game guides had already condemned Luke.

Not backing down from this challenge, Luke muscled his way between civilians and players and made his way out into the open. A nearby player called Milky grimaced, his pale face grew paler. He was a level one paladin or warrior from the look of his rusted shoddy armour. Like an old fashioned knight had found his gear in the recycling bin. His white fur dog-like game guide with two tails whispered in Milky's ear and loud enough for Luke to hear.

"Looks like we get to see another idiot lose a game guide. This should be fun master," sniggered the dog.

"This is quite rare," exclaimed Split as he folded his arms and tilted his head at Luke.

Blue eyes met with Luke's auburn eyes and Split doubled over sideways in even more confusion.

"You can't be serious? Are you going to duel me? I'd advise against it being level one, and a sword user." Split now stood up straight, his face serious and ready for battle. "If you're a warrior or paladin, it would be a poor matchup against me as a mage. Do yourself a favour and walk away. Don't want you losing your game guide," explained Split. To Luke who had witnessed this teen's bravado now grew confused himself. It felt as if Split was against duelling him.

"Were you not eager for challengers? For a fight?" Luke asked as he now stepped closer towards Split.

Split took one look at Luke, then at the crowd, and unfolded his arms before stuffing them in his shorts pockets.

"I'm not duelling a level one nobody with a class I could best in my sleep. Get out of here and allow a real challenger to step up." Split smirked and looked away from Luke as he closed his eyes. His statement, however, riled Nebs and Quinn who stared at the teen with furious intent. Nebs, not one to hold his tongue.

"How impressive you must be to shrug my master off so casually. I think you're a chicken," quipped Nebs before then mocking Split by mimicking a chicken. A strange sight to see a Grenchitty making wing gestures.

The crowd of players begun to murmur as Split opened his eyes, their expressions had changed. One after another the chant of 'chicken' grew louder and now Split seethed. He walked over to Luke with fists clenched in his pockets. Stood in front of Luke, he had to look up at him as Luke towered over him.

"Back down. I am begging you here. Back down before it goes too far. As much as it looks like I enjoy doing this, I don't," whispered Split.

"Then why ask players to duel for game guides on the line?" questioned Luke.

"Because who in their right mind would accept that duel? Especially with me of all people. I'm a level three mage for crying out loud and a red player."

"Well sorry to burst your short bubble, but we accept and we get a free hit. You're going to regret that. I mean after we take that twenty copper from you I'm going to be rolling in potatoes." Nebs slobbered on Luke's shoulder and then shook as he imagined eating a freshly dug up spud.