296 Too Soon (Part 1)
Exile grinned as he made his way through the city of Valheim. The other Pantheons had not long returned to the city, and the players were just starting to find their footing again. However, he enjoyed the sounds of them going about their business.
His steps carried him through the streets toward the main gate. ‘I need to head South toward the river.’ His heart was already pounding at the thought of raiding another inheritance. The massive stone doors leading out of Valheim opened for Exile before they closed behind him with a booming thud. As soon as they did, two guards stepped out to meet him. Their weapons hung on their backs, and each man wore golden armour around their shoulders and forearms. They spoke without emotion but still held firm discipline in their words. “Halt.”
Exile cocked an eyebrow at the two players acting as city guards from underneath his hood. ‘What’s this all about then?’ He came to a stop while gripping his staff tightly. He scanned the guards carefully, but they weren’t showing any hostile intentions.
“We are only obeying our orders,” one of the guards said quietly, “And there will be no fighting here today. Go ahead; you can pass.” The guard gave a small wave over his shoulder. Exile saw that it wasn’t just him being stopped. The other guard standing next to the entrance also let several people enter the city past them.
‘Players acting as guards. That’s new. I wonder if Mikari set that up?’ Exile frowned. Things were changing, but he knew this would only be the beginning. A stiff wind blew through the area as he set off toward the South.
Meanwhile, to the South of Valheim, Mikijah found himself sitting outside a tent by himself. It was rare for him not to have someone nearby at all times unless he wanted to keep his skills hidden from prying eyes or hide away for personal reasons. His mood was sour as he stared at the dirt under his feet.
“I should head back to Valheim,” Mikijah mumbled, looking down into a glass jar filled with a greenish liquid. The potion inside bubbled slightly, and wisps of steam drifted upward in front of his face. “It’s getting late anyway.”
Mikijah was mostly self-sufficient when it came to grinding instead of working in teams like almost everyone else did. He had gotten used to doing most of this on his own lately. Not many people showed interest in joining him during his trips out on the road, most players tended to stick together and travel in packs, but that didn’t bother him too much. After all, that wasn’t why he left his old Pantheon, and there were plenty of good reasons for keeping things simple.
‘The results are looking promising.’ He thought as he placed the tent and mobile alchemy set in his inventory. After a few minutes passed, Mikijah made sure his sword was strapped to his side before making his way back toward the city. The journey was slow, and only once did he sense the presence of another player in the Southwood. Luckily for him, it seemed the other player couldn’t sense him. So it didn’t take much effort to avoid them.
Once inside the gates again, he could feel the excitement that seemed to come from every person around him. ‘It’s always better than feeling like you’re going mad.’ He sighed as he remembered having to hide his power during Nar’Kozz’s assault. After all, it wouldn’t do for it to become public knowledge. He headed toward one of the taverns hidden down a side street where most of the players in his line of work would be gathered after their day’s work. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve gone hunting. Maybe I’ll meet someone interesting.’
The door to The Raider’s Horn creaked open as the few patrons inside went quiet. However, a single glance at the newcomer was all it took for them to return to their conversations.
Mikijah took a seat at a secluded table in the corner. His hood was pulled over his head, but he was still recognizable with his light-brown skin and dark-green eyes that glowed faintly beneath his long, dark hair. A black cloak draped over his shoulders, hiding most of the brown leather armour he wore under it.
“I need a drink,” he said quietly, “And something to eat.” The waitress, dressed in a green robe, gave him a quick nod before she moved away.
“I’m sorry. What was your name again?” The first customer to sit beside him spoke in a casual tone. He had short brown hair, and his bright blue eyes stared directly into Mikijah’s. The latter spotted a silver pendant around the man’s neck as his eyes narrowed.
“My name is Goldleaf. For the leaves in the forest fall for the price of gold.”
The customer nodded as he nursed his mead. The strange pair remained in silence until the waitress returned with Mikijah’s order. Once they were alone again, the customer let out a sigh.
“I have a special request for you.”
Mikijah’s expression remained passive as he sipped his drink. He was used to this back and forth and how every customer thought their request would be special. As he slowly placed his tankard on the table, his would-be employer swallowed before licking his lips.
“The contract is for Ragnarok’s leader, Exile. For a single death.” The customer’s eyes darted around the small room to check if anyone had overheard.
‘Well, I guess that qualifies as a special request.’
He kept himself from looking surprised by acting like he didn’t care. “Who asked you to act as a go-between? You must know I don’t work without knowing my employer unless they’re paying extra.”
“A mutual friend recommended your services,” the patron said with an air of confidence, “They said to tell you a new star is rising.” He smirked when Mikijah shrugged.
“I see…” Mikijah was silently surprised at the patron’s words. They were another verbal code. ‘To think they would test Exile.’ He rubbed the stubble on his chin as he looked at the patron. “Very well. Tell them it will cost double my usual fee.”
“I’m sure they will agree to that.” The mysterious patron replied as his shoulders sagged. Clearly, he was feeling relieved to have successfully concluded the contract.
Mikijah, on the other hand, wore a deep frown beneath his hood. He couldn’t understand the contract at all. ‘Sure, Exile is powerful stat-wise. But that’s only compared to normal players. He’s nowhere near ready to be tested. Or have I been buried in my research for too long?’
“Do you have any information on the target’s current location?” Mikijah asked as he chewed on the boar meat.
“Ah, apologies. Exile was seen heading toward the Southwood not too long ago.” The patron replied before taking his leave.
‘The Southwood? Was he the player I avoided?’ Mikijah chuckled at that revelation. ‘It’s going to be even easier than I thought. He has no idea how to sense his surroundings!’
That was all the proof he needed that his evaluation was correct. Exile was nowhere near ready to face him. ‘It’ll be the easiest payday I’ve ever had.’ Mikijah chuckled. A faraway look entered his gaze as he toyed with several ideas on how to confront Exile.
‘Since it’s a request from them, I can’t be half-hearted about it.’ A wide grin crept across his face as he considered a number of the potions and poisons at his disposal. ‘Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve been so worked up. Maybe I should take my time to break his confidence?’
Mikijah hummed to himself as he arranged his inventory. ‘It would be for the best if I break him for good. What a laugh it would be if I made him too afraid to enter the game again.’
Meanwhile, in Ragnarok’s HQ in real life…
BANG!
Jay groaned as he hit the floor! His hands shot up to his broken nose as he stared at Paul with wide eyes!
“You fucking idiot! What did you do?” Paul glowered at the man as he waved a printed email with his left hand.
“Wait! I don’t understand!”
“You moron! Colt isn’t ready to be tested for a title yet!” Paul’s fist trembled as he stared at the man on the floor. “He’s only touched on the basics of the Domain technique! What’s worse is that they contracted Mikijah! You’ve set The Mad Alchemist after him!”
Jay’s eyes went wide as he gulped. “I didn’t know. I thought he was ready.”
“That was never for you to decide!” Paul said in a terribly low voice. “We’ll be lucky if he only experiences a death.”
“What do you mean?” Jay asked as his legs trembled as he got back on his feet.
“Mikijah is twisted. He has a terrible personality. In his early days, he was known as the Rookie Crusher. He delights in mentally torturing others by displaying how out of their league he is.” Paul groaned as he shot another spite-filled glance at Jay. “Your ambition may have just brought about the end of this team!”
Jay trembled as his complexion paled. “What are we going to do?”
Paul frowned as he listened to Jay’s heavy breathing. He let out a sigh when he realised how distressed the latter was.
“There’s nothing we can do. A warning wouldn’t reach Colt in time. All we can do is prepare for what comes after.” Paul reached into his pocket and brought a phone up to his ear. After a few seconds, a deep voice sounded on the other side. “I’m going to need your help.”