New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

After a night spent hunting monsters, Astaroth took a quick look at his status screen. He hadn't distributed his free attribute points in a while, and wanted to do so now.

Status:

Name: Astaroth

Race: Ash Elf

Level: 36 (1'420'724/2'569'950)

Stats:

HP: 6'950/6'950  MP: 2'345/2'345  Stamina: 100

Mana Regen: 5/second in combat, 25/second out of combat

Strength: 54 (79) (+20) (+5)

Agility: 54 (59) (+5)

Constitution: 53 (78) (+20) (+5)

Intelligence: 54 (59) (+5)

Wisdom: 37 (41) (+4)

Attack Power Str: 395

Attack Power Agi: 295

Magic Attack Power: 295

Healing Power: 205

Natural Defense: 7.8%

Armor Defense: 14%

Luck: 0 (Stat unaffected by Level up and free points)

Available stat points: 16

Available skill points: 7

Physical Condition: Normal

Mental Condition: Normal

His stats were satisfactory for an all-rounder. But he would much rather have the stats of an attacker.

Yet he knew that would be a waste of time for him, since his spirit companions could always supplement the stats he needed when need be. So he kept building an all-rounder stat sheet.

He put four points in strength, constitution, agility, and intelligence, respectively. After that, his next step was to head back to the village.

Dawn was slowly creeping upon the horizon, and he had promised to go talk with Aberon. He signalled Violette, and they headed back home.

On their way there, they killed a few more monsters that crossed their paths, but didn't hunt them when they fled. By the time they made it to the village, the sun was just rising over the tree line.

Violette wished Astaroth a good day, and they parted after she gave a quick hug to Genie. As for him, he headed to Aberon's house.

He didn't go there often anymore, since he was focusing on stabilizing his foundation of skills before learning more. Although Aberon appreciated his company, he was also happy that Astaroth wasn't trying to overfill his cup.

When Astaroth got to the house, the door opened on its own, as it always did. He invited himself in, ordering Genie to stay outside.

Genie whined a little, but lay down near the door, closing her eyes to rest.

"Good girl." Astaroth complimented her, patting her head, before he entered the abode.

Aberon was rocking his chair in the back room, smoking a pipe. Astaroth rarely saw him smoking, which he only did when something was troubling him.

"What did you want to talk about, sir?" Astaroth asked, giving a bow to Aberon.

"Take a seat. This might take a while." Aberon told him, conjuring up a chair.

Astaroth nodded and sat down in the newly appeared chair. Aberon had creased brows, and his traits seemed tired for some reason.

"Something seems to be bothering you, sir. Is this what you want to talk about?" he asked.

"Aye. It is. I have grave news, young man."

"What is it? Is there a war coming?"

"Indeed, it is a war. But something was odd in the stars. I can usually predict the warring nations before the war starts. But not this time." Aberon started.

"When I tried deciphering where the war would start, the location was hidden behind a nebula. It seems the gods don't want me to know where this war will be until it happens."

Astaroth frowned at the statement.

'He can't have seen an augur from my world in the stars of this one, can he?' he thought.

"But that wasn't the only thing the stars told me. The king is after you again. It seems he had wind of your return, probably through scrying, and I foresaw a troubling future for you." Aberon said.

"I don't want to do this to you, young man, but the choice is already out of my hands. An old friend of mine in the capital has sent word to me. The king has assembled a legion to retrieve you."

"They are on their way here. The village is in danger as long as you stay with us. Even if I could hold them back for a while, it wouldn't be forever. And once they are here, there will be no way out for you."

"Say no more, master Aberon. I will leave of my own volition. The villagers here are my family, and I wish them no harm." Astaroth interrupted the old man.

*Sigh*

"I really wished the king would give up on you. But it seems his vanity and pride know no bounds. I am sorry, child." Aberon said, his tone heavy.

Astaroth got up and walked in front of Aberon. He kneeled before the old mage and bowed his head.

"It was an honour for me to be part of this family with you, sir. I hope we see each other again, at a more favourable time."

Astaroth then got up, getting ready to leave. But before he could, the old man spoke up again.

"There is one more thing. I must ask this of you, even if it pains me. Can you take the girl with you?"

"If the king showed this much interest in you, I fear he might also want to capture Violette. The girl has much emotional baggage, and I fear such an experience would break her." Aberon asked pleadingly.

"Of course, master Aberon. I will protect her at all costs." Astaroth replied, nodding solemnly.

Astaroth then left the house. He went to pack, for he and Violette would be leaving the very next day.

Just before logging out, he sent a message to Violette.

'When you get back tomorrow, pack up. We are leaving on a trip, and won't be back for some time.'

'Bring everything you would need for a week-long trip and don't forget to gather up food at the barracks. We don't know how long we will be on the road.'

Then he logged out after looking at his alcove ceiling for probably the last time.

'I will miss this peacefulness the most.' he thought, as he closed his eyes, as he started feeling weightless again.