The Ancients World

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~~~(POV: Hailey Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: The City of Godfrey, Esis Kingdom)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:43 PM)~~~

I didn't realize how nice it'd be to entirely be out of Greshina and The Elven Kingdom. Godfrey is filled with Players from Earth and NPCs tagging along. Trying to become Players themselves. Ever since the announcement that NPCs could become Players, relations between The Players and NPCs have skyrocketed. Allowing for better communication and formation of parties.

Much of my attention and focus on the last day has been trying to find out the best course of action to take to get Jasmine to her trials. Cera and the rest of my family still have a day till the airship arrives to take them to Avalon. Jasmine and I will be busy figuring out how to make her a Player. Once she is one, I'll get a hold of Cera and find out where they are.

Jasmine herself has been looking forward to becoming a Player. Seeing Sally become one has motivated her, and I'm glad. We're resting in a Tavern for the time being. Getting some food and talking about our next steps. "Do you really think the best course of action is to check the giant Cathedrals?" We've already been by the Church.

This is the next best option and from the looks of it. NPCs that have become players all did so at the Cathedrals that Players use to respawn after dying. "Yes, Jasmine. From the information I've been able to gather, this is the method for you to become a Player." Word is spreading between Players and NPCs, which is why I know this now.

I know she's nervous about facing her trials, and I won't be able to help her with them. From the grapevine, I've heard that she'll respawn if she dies in her trials. This is the bright side, and it's a good one. "What do you think I'll be facing in my trials?" It's hard to say... Jasmine will face something different from her trials.

Every NPC has a different and unique trial tailored to them by the system. Whatever she does face, it'll be something that tests if she can be a Player. "That's not up to us, Jasmine. That's up to the system. When you become a Player, your life will change." She's not looking too positive, but that's understandable. She doesn't know what she's walking into.

There have been many stories already circulating about what some NPCs have faced for their trials. Some have had to face great monsters that are a manifestation of their fears. Others have needed to face their past. It's a different experience for everyone. All are controlled by the system. This is a great display of what the system is truly capable of.

Jasmine stares at her empty plate of food. I'm glad to see her appetite hasn't disappeared. "Why do you think Sally didn't have to take a trial to become a Player?" She's asked a good question and one that I don't know the answer to. The best thing I can think of is she's already faced the hardest thing she could, so the system gave her the status of a Player.

There is probably more complexity to it. But it's not something that we'll ever know. "I wouldn't waste time thinking about that. What you should be doing is preparing yourself mentally for what you might face. The good thing is if you die during your trials, you'll be respawned. Then you can keep trying until you beat them." My determination is spreading to her.

She needs a bit of encouragement to get to that point where she can take the trials on. She's a strong girl, but she's still weak mentally. Sally has overcome those mental weaknesses and is a new person. Jasmine is still carrying a lot of pain and hasn't handled it the same way Sally has. "Yeah, that'll be an experience to remember." We give a chuckle and take a moment of silence.

The tavern we're in is pretty lively, given how early it is in the day. There are Players and NPCs celebrating and telling stories of what the trials were like. "Jasmine... What do we do if I can't pass my trials..." I expected something like this, but that doesn't mean it's necessarily bad. It's an appropriate response to the stress she's under.

She sees my smile and becomes even more confused. "Then you'll keep trying until you do pass them, Jasmine. Life isn't easy, and if you want to be like my family and me. You'll have to pass your trials. It's the only way you're going to become a Player." There is silence as my words sink in. I watch as determination grows on her body and face.

~~~(POV: Marcus Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: The Palace in Greshina, Elven Kingdom)~~~

~~~(Time: 1:17 PM)~~~

Most kids would be jealous that their sibling is getting more attention than them. But I couldn't be happier. Cera is taking all the smothering and suffocating attention that I was getting from mom. It's his turn to be treated like a child. "Cera! Eat your food! I went through a lot of trouble to make it!" The pile of slop on our plates is food?

Talk about a major failure. Mom is a fantastic cook, or at least she was one. You need a cooking skill or cooking class to cook in The Ancients World. This is something mom doesn't have, so all her food is coming out like... This... "I'm not eating this, mom. This is disgusting." Mom would normally get angry if someone said that about her cooking.

But this time, it's different. She looks down at her plate and grimaces... "You're right... God Damnit!! Where the hell can I find a cooking skill in this fucking world!!" Mom immediately covers her mouth and looks directly at me. Before she can say anything, Cera and dad are already laughing. Making mom blush and try to hide her face.

Mom took a lot of pride in her cooking, but now that she can't make good food anymore. An avenue of fulfillment is gone. She didn't cook because she was the mom or the woman, but because she's been doing it since she was a kid and loves it. "It's been a long time since I heard you cuss like that about cooking!!" Dad starts to pile it on, and mom isn't happy.

I can't help but start to laugh too, and mom is about to get up and storm off, but Cera grabs her wrist and stops her. "Oh c'mon, mom. You gotta admit this is funny! We've never seen you cook something too horrible!" She tries her best to hold back a smile, but the situation is just too funny and rare. She breaks and starts to laugh too.

~~~(POV: Violet Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: The Palace in Greshina, Elven Kingdom)~~~

~~~(Time: 1:19 PM)~~~

I have to bend over and put my hands on my knees to help me breathe better. It's too funny to be mad at. It really is. It takes another minute, but we've all calmed down, and I take a seat again. "It's okay, mom. I know of a way for you to get a cooking skill if you really want one. But you don't need to cook for everyone anymore." He makes a good point...

But I've been cooking for so many years. I can't help but want it. It's hard to think of myself and not being able to make good food. "Okay, we can talk about that after we get to Avalon." He nods his head at my answer, and I can't help but smile. I've missed my daughter and oldest son for so long. I'm so glad to be here with you, Cera. My sweet boy.

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A/N: Below this line, I'll be keeping Cera's player information. That way, I won't have to place it into the story above anymore. It takes about 180 words up.

[Slayer (Zern) Lvl.211]

[Exp: 40/100%]

[Title: The Son of Arch-Angel Michael (Hidden)]

[Stats] [Strength - 7095][Endurance - 7045][Dexterity - 7215][Speed - 8240][Focus - 19,660]

[Mana aura control: 6/100%]

[Health: 76,560,000,000/76,560,000,000] [Mana: 216,600,000,000/216,600,000,000]

[Stat Points: 200] [Armor rating: 500]

[Inventory] [Dice of Wayland (Divine)] [Hardened Tree sap Armor (Very Rare)] [The Witness (Legendary Sword)] [Fenrir's Whistle (Divine)] [Sally's Dresses 5x] [Camping gear] [Food Rations 3x] [Dried meat 3x] [Fishing poles 2x] [Fish 8x] [Festival Garbs 2x] [4x EXP Boosts]

[Passive Perks]

[Inheritor of the Sword] [Son of Heaven] [Slayer of Evil] [Holy Willow Trees Savior] [Finder of Legends] [The Divine who has Legend] [Destined for Greatness] [Dungeon Diver] [An Overachiever]

[Active Skills]

[Heavens light Lvl.74 325/7400] [Protected by Heaven Lvl.74 225/7400] [Slash Lvl..92 4600/21000] [Parry Lvl.68 80/6800] [Double Strike N/A] [Kingslayer N/A] [Raging Machine N/A] [Winged Glory] [Angelic Flight] [Divine Pressure Exertion] [Divinity Pulse] [Controled Fun]