Author's note:

So here we are at the first real chapter. I'll post another one in a three or four days :)

****

When he entered a robotic voice asked him questions about what he wanted to be.

"Male/Ace/Celestial/My appearance only eyes prismatic, colour depending on my mood/Pass tutorial/ city of Mora, Oradin kingdom “

After saying everything in one breath Kirin felt darkness enveloping him once again.

Strange sounds assaulted his ears, those of people bargaining, merchants shouting at the top of their lungs, horses whining, armour clanking and other. Then he opened his eyes and looked around in wonder. 'What is this place? It feels so real!' he thought disbelief showing on his face.

"Just look at him. He's so cute!" whisper shouted one female passerby.

"Do you remember when we were so innocent?" asked some guy.

"Don't kid yourself, you were always a bastard" answered his friend good naturedly.

Kirin, - no Ace now sneaked into the first alley he saw and put his back against the wall.

"Wow, this is a lot to take in. I thought everyone was exaggerating when they said it was like another reality" he whispered while thinking what to do now that he was in this marvellous world. He hadn’t read about what others did on purpose, to have his own adventure from the very beginning.

First he decided to check what the game’s starting equipment was. "Items" he shouted into thin air.

A transparent bag appeared in front of his eyes containing 5 buns and a jar of water. 'It seems like I can survive for some time. Maybe I should visit a library to better decide who to be?'

With that thought a young boy, no more than twelve from his appearance left the alley and joined the masses in the main street. His small frame allowed him to move easily through the crowds and pass the blocks of people. Library was nowhere in sight so he examined one of the giant maps showing the city and followed the directions from there. He had almost made it when a pop up message threw him off. Surprised he stopped in the middle of the street.

It wasn't a good idea.

Some guy wearing heavy armour didn’t react in time and stumbled on him almost falling down. The kid also tried to keep his balance but to no avail.

"Ouch, ouch..." he mumbled while clutching his head and looking up teary-eyed at his oppressor.

"Do you have a death wish, kid?" the guy shouted but seeing only a beginner and a little boy on top of that added "Watch where you're going next time" and walked away with a 'humpf'.

The kid glared daggers at his back and slowly stood up still massaging his head and hoping that there won't be a bruise. At that moment Ace's eyes fell on the accursed window that brought up this disaster in the first place.

New skill acquired: Hiding in plain sight [Toggle]

Your movements are quick and coordinated, hiding your presence from the minds of those around you.

+5% Agility

+5% Concentration

Mana consumption 2/s

The higher the skill level it is the easier to move around unnoticed.

"You can gain skills doing random stuff?" asked Ace no one in particular. Smiling he toggled on the ability and once again went for the library.

What stood before him was a huge run down place. For some reason all the houses around were renovated but not this one.

Shrugging Ace opened the door. He was welcomed by a smell of old paper, ink and candles. The air was slightly cooler inside.

"Do you want anything specific?" asked an old man, probably the bookkeeper.

"I'd like a book about the legends of the world. I'm interested in heroes of old times"

"What an interesting request. Nowadays people only care about magic. Every day all I hear is 'Can I get a book about fireball?', ' Do you have a scroll for Ice blast?'. God this is a library not... "

Ace listened for a few minutes but noticing that the end wasn't in sight interrupted the old man.

"Uhm... My books?"

"Oh yes yes yes. Just wait a moment here and I'll be right back".

It took him about five hours to find four books. 'Does he really know where all the books are?' mused Ace finishing the third book that had been lying on the table. He had also acquired +3 Int and +1 Wis.

"Here are the books you requested"

Ace promised to return the books in a week and left the library. Outside the sun was setting but there was still some time till the world would be covered by darkness. Walking down a few random alleys Ace reached the slums. The buildings were old and looked on the verge of collapsing but he didn't mind. The thing he needed was quietness and this place was perfect for that. He sat down on some steps and took out the first book. It was called "The Heroes through the Ages". 'Original name' a thought flitted through Ace's mind before he lost himself in world of people who changed the humanity's history.

He was only in second chapter when bits of conversion reached his ears. Raising his head he listened more closely. It seemed to be three people arguing, one of them at least a warrior from the clanking of armor.

"It wasn't my fault You did.."

"... stronger than..."

"Shut up. Bett..."

A though to take flight entered Ace's mind but it was too late. He already could almost see them appearing from the street’s corner so he just lowered his head pretending to be reading. Maybe they would just pass by?

Lady luck wasn't smiling at him.

"What do we have here?" exclaimed one of the mages with a sinister smile, draped in red. He came closer and raised the scholar’s head by the hair and burst out laughing. "Guys! He's just a kid!"

The 'kid' rubbed his head where the hair was pulled and looked up with the most innocent expression the trio had ever seen.

"I almost feel bad for thinking about killing him" muttered the other mage wearing a blue robe.

"Me too" quietly agreed the warrior.

Those clear blue eyes adorned with golden curls made the kid look like a little angel. Only Satan himself would be able to kill something like that! Or so the duo thought.

The first red robed mage was already chanting a spell to steal the kid’s life!

"Fires of old lend me your power, Fire sphere!"

The young boy crawled back, his eyes wide and body trembling. The warrior couldn't take it. He might have been part of a player killers group but he never agreed to kill innocents, especially kids. Dashing forth he blocked the spell with his body.

"What are you doing?" shouted both mages at once but the warrior kept on advancing towards the red robes, his sword unsheathed.

"Stop it! Aren't we friends? Just let Merlin kill the guy and we can go finish the quest!". The warrior only glared at the passive mage and then continued on his way. His breath was labored but he still had half of his hp. 'And he just had to use the sphere instead of fireball' angrily thought the 'good' guy. Fireball was a much stronger spell but it at least never left a nasty burning that could only be dispelled by clerics or a fortune costing potion. 'I must hurry up' with that thought he once again used [Dash] and then [Double slash] on the poor mage. But the guy didn’t die in an instant.

"Wind blades!" only the last part of the blue robed mages incantation was heard by the warrior before wind slashed at his arms and legs while also pushing him away from the target.

"Fires of Abyss hear my cry and turn my enemy to ash, Fire pillar! Avenge me Arthur! Kill that bastard" cried out Merlin with his last breath before leaving items and a pool of blood in his place.

The mage called Arthur looked at the blood with his eyes wide in disbelief but soon his face contorted into a mask of fury.

"You fucktard dare to kill my brother?!" his voice turned into a growl. "From the North come…"

The warrior didn't wait for him to finish the spell. He had only a bit over 10% of his health so he collected his last strength and rushed off. Using [Dash] he appeared before the mage and their skills clashed.

"Blade fury!"

"Ice twister!"

The cold wind rose lifting everything in its path including the two unfortunate souls locked in a battle of life and death, right and wrong. They were reaching the high tops of the buildings when the wind ran short. The two people fell down with a crash, one of them instantly turning into gray mist. The other staggered up with a malicious grin.

"Next time you'll know to never challenge a magician." He looked around as if searching for something "Where did that little bastard go? Oh yeah, he had plenty of time to run away with his tail between the legs." The mage sighted and limped to where his brother had fallen. Or at least he tried before he saw a sword sticking out from his chest.

"Whaa..?"

***

[You have leveled up]

[You have leveled up]

New skill acquired: Deception [Passive]

You can pretend to be anyone and lie with your face straight. There's nothing sacred to you.

+5% to fool Npcs

+2% to fool other players

+3% resistance to illusions

"Awesome" whispered Ace with a slight smile. It had worked out much better than he expected. Not only did he survive but he also got a skill and experience from the kills that he wasn't even participating in! He felt a bit bad for the warrior's/knight’s in shining armour death, but it couldn't have been helped. He had no weapon until the guy died and left his sword. That reminded Ace of the loot lying around. He picked everything up and started to examine.

Sword of the Deceased

Attack 15-20

Durability 23/40

Sword scavenged from the hands of an unknown soldier. It had so many owners that it’s durability was lowered permanently. Beginner Magic

A book that explains the fundamentals of magic and it’s uses. Allows to learn spells. Old robe

Defense 5

Durability 8/15

It is a poorly made robe from common materials. Good against the rain. Iron dagger

Attack 7

Durability 27/30

A sturdy dagger made by a promising blacksmith from low quality iron. Boots of Might

Defense 5

Durability 8/15

Boots with an engraved eagle

+10 Luck

+5% resistance to fear

'Well this is not too bad' mused Ace while putting on the boots and hiding dagger in them. Then he equipped the sword even though he had no idea how to use it. Never know then it might come in use, maybe he'll need a stick to lean onto one day. With that finished he picked the book about magic and started to read. It was standard stuff: elements, purpose and alignment.

He finished it after a few hours squinting by the moonlight, trying to decipher the last shadowed words.

New skill acquired: Magic mastery [Passive]

You can learn and cast spells depending on the level of your mastery. Trying to cast higher tier spells may result in disaster.

+10% spell proficiency

+10 Int

+10 Wis New skill acquired: Flare [Active]

It is a simple spell that illuminates ones surroundings by a faint light. It is the only spell that can be used while meditating. Ancient magicians created it to teach young to channel their mana and concentrate. Only those who managed to keep the fragile light on for half a day were allowed to become apprentices of Magic.

Mana use 20/min

"Flare" Ace said in a steady voice. A small light like that of the candle appeared in front of him flickering horribly and then disappeared. "Grrr" the kid growled and once again summoned the light. He played with it for a good half a night until he could keep it steady for fifteen minutes before running out of mana.

With the first rays of sunlight he took out one of the buns and started to chew. It was tasteless but what could he expect being a level 3? So he ate until felt filled up and then rose to go to the market. The adventure was waiting there for him surely.

The marketplace was bustling even at the first light. Merchants were trying to find a better place for their stalls, night hunters came to sell their loot. It was a bit too lively for our hero so he quickly sold the robe and sat down a bit away on an edge of a fountain. He decided to observe people and their habits.

Newbies were shun by everyone, mid-level players walked as if they owned the world, those over one hundred were usually calmer and more deceitful, trying to save every copper, those even further up looked most happy even though their equipment was battle worn and some of them even had scars. Merchants on the other hand were all the same no matter their levels and whether they were player or npc.

+ Deception 5% xp

"Huh?" murmured Ace tilting his head at the side. "Why did I get experience?"

Shrugging he took the books out of his bag and lost himself in them.

+1 int +1 int +1 wis

His stats rose from time to time expanding his mana pool which in turn allowed him to longer use [Hiding in Plain Sight]. It was a pretty good ability letting him read in piece without interruptions.

A bit after midday he finished and went to return the books. This time he decided to pick the books himself. Even though old man picked well, he took way too long.

Walking around the stacks of books Ace felt a bit lost. There was just too many of them! How was he supposed to choose? Then a stack of yellow leather covered books caught his eye. It was a series called Masters of the Art. The first one was about a dancer that convinced a king not to wage war, another about a warrior that killed a dragon and so on. He picked all thirteen of them and went to the counter.

"I'd like these ones" he said to the librarian.

"Aren't it a bit too much for you? Maybe you'll be fine with only a few of them?" the old mane said, expressing his concern. It didn’t look like the man was going to easily go down on that so Ace decided to use his triumph card.

Putting the books down he looked at the librarian with his best puppy dog eye look. His yellow eyes were light and full of childish curiosity.

"But, uncle, I need to work hard to become as smart as you! I'm sure you never slacked off so neither can I!

"Such a promising youth! If only everyone was like you.. "

"So I can take them?" asked Ace with a bright smile on his face.

"Of course. And take this also. It's a receipt for Scholar's brew. It helps to read faster, sadly I have none finished on me”

"It doesn’t matter. Thanks a lot" said the youth and left with the books and the scroll after waving goodbye to the old man.

'That was so easy!' laughed the same youth after entering the busy street. He speed walked to the slums using his small frame to pass through easily. Only when he was safe and alone did he pay attention to the pop up messages that appeared while he was talking to the librarian.

You're well liked in the local library +5 fame

Successful deception. Deception novice level 2

Your lies become more believable.

+3 Int

The boy's only reaction was a slight smile. He was clearly enjoying his new life. After that reading issued. When the night came he used [Flare] and kept on reading. From time to time he did a small break to regenerate mana and eat some stale bread. It was a calm night but what adventure game would it be if there were no interruptions and you were left alone to drown yourself in study?

Hurried steps could be heard from deeper part of the slums and they were quickly nearing the single wavering light in the otherwise dark alley. A man with a cloak stopped before the light and touched it. The small sphere flickered and vanished plunging the man and the boy in total darkness.

"What are you doing here all alone, boy?" the man's voice was gentle but Ace could sense it was only an act.

"Reading, master" ‘as you can see idiot' was added in his mind.

"Don't you think it’s a bit dangerous?"

"Life is dangerous. I prefer not to spend it surrounded by idiots" was a curt reply.

"You've got an interesting mind, kid. Would you like to become my apprentice? I'd teach you how to use your potential to the fullest and not rely on others for survival."

Tiiring!

A see through window appeared before his eyes with a suggestion and two choices Accept/Decline.

Class change: Levinton, a dark mage, is asking you to become his pupil. Do you wish to accept?

A few seconds passed and then Ace shook his head.

"No. I have no wish to become a mage. Magic only hinders people and teaches them to be lazy".

The mage didn't take the news as well as the boy hoped. His face turned purple and you could almost see smoke leaving his ears in tumults. 'I probably shouldn't have insulted his profession' thought Ace with a dry smile. Looking around he saw no one he could direct the mage's anger at. Just as well. He might get a taste of death. But he wasn't going to go down quietly.

Hearing the mage chanting Ace did what any normal person would do in such a situation, he jumped on the guy with all his might. Or maybe that was just his normal. His spontaneous surprise attack worked out and the mage fell back, with him on top. Now he wasn't sure what to do. 'Why did it even work out?’ Then he tried to take out his sword but it got stuck and after a bit of tug-o-war Ace gave up and went for his dagger for some reason concealed in a boot. Ace couldn't believe his own stupidity why the hell did he put it so far away from reach? Gripping the hilt he turned around with some trepidation. The mage had plenty of time to incinerate him, twice. So why didn't he? What kind of spell could take so long to cast?

The mage was very silent. He hadn't moved an inch from where he fell! Ace cautiously came closer expecting some surprise attack but nothing came. 'What happened to him?' The boy examined the mage's head. It was lying in a pool of blood. 'Whaaat?' Carefully lifting the head he saw a sharp bloodied stone. The hair was released the same moment. To say the sight was unpleasant would have been an understatement. 'I need to get out of here and fast' but then his eyes fell on the pouch secured on the belt. 'That mage was probably evil so he should have been filthy rich! And I have only 5 coppers, soon I'll have to start begging to survive if this continues.' With new born resolution he looked around and quickly squatted closer to the dead mage. He picked the pouch without even looking what’s inside, took off the boots, cloak, belt and two blue rings.

Finished he ran off at lightning speed.